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 closening 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.