Main Group Chemistry covers the chemistry of the s- and p-block elements, together with a brief chapter on the chemistry of zinc, cadmium and mercury, often classified as main group elements rather than as transition elements. The Periodic Table is an important predictive tool in main group chemistry and in this book, forms the basis for describing the trends and variations in the chemistry of the elements.

Introductory material covers the basic principles behind the Periodic Table, bonding, electronegativity and VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. The chemistry of various groups of elements is then discussed. The book incorporates a valuable chapter on inorganic polymers, discussing the chemistry of materials such as silicates, silicones, phosphazenes and diamond.