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 endeavir. 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 in inherent association with phenomena in the
condensed phase and thereby with the theories of this state of matter