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.