Research into the various forms of the Periodic Table
In recent years there has been a worldwide upsurge of interest in philosophical aspects of chemistry. In Scerri's work he examines the extent to which chemical concepts can be explained through fundamental theories in physics, especially quantum mechanics.
He also focuses on the implications of this work on chemical education and the manner in which chemistry is presented in textbooks and general chemistry courses. More specifically, issues surrounding the teaching of atomic and electronic structure.
In his work on historical and philosophical aspects of the Periodic System of the Elements he has championed various forms of the periodic table.

the Left Step Periodic Table
Sometime ago Eric Scerri made the suggestion that the best form of the periodic table was the left-step form, as first proposed by Charles Janet, in which helium is placed among the alkali earths.
      ·  This was not motivated by any chemical intuition concerning the element helium but rather by a desire for greater regularity in the form of the periodic table. Echoing other authors, he argued that in addition the left-step table reflects the manner in which electrons occupy atomic orbitals more clearly and effectively than the conventionally used medium-long form table.
      ·  The left-step table (below) allows one to display the n + l rule very prominently - again contrary to the medium-long form.

Eric Scerri's 2006 Periodic Table
Eric developed a new periodic table in 2006 with some very nice features. He shifted his allegiance from the left-step table to this one.
      ·  The new design is based on the fundamental nature of triads, and on atomic number triads in particular.
      ·  H,F,Cl is a new perfect atomic number triad not featured in the usual medium-long form table.
              There are also many chemical arguments for placing H among the halogens rather than the alkalis.
      ·  Note the regularity regarding period lengths. 8, 8, 18, 18, 32, 32 ...
      ·  All period lengths repeat without fail, unlike in the medium-long form.
      ·  Also note the bi-lateral symmetry - assuming the rare earths are given as a footnote.

Order Eric Scerri's new book, The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance

Eric Scerri's Left Step and Newer Periodic Table Concept

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