Physical organic chemistry is a relatively modern field with deep roots in
chemistry. The subject is concerned with investigations of organic chemistry by
quantitative and mathematical methods. The wedding of physical and organic
chemistry has provided a remarkable source of inspiration for both of these
classical areas of chemical endeavor. Further, the potential for new developments
resulting from this union appears to be still greater. A closing of ties with all
aspects of molecular structure and spectroscopy is clearly anticipated. The field
provides the proving ground for the development of basic tools for investigations
in the areas of molecular biology and biophysics. The subject has an inherent
association with phenomena in the condensed phase and thereby with the theories
of this state of matter