Known for work in the field of inorganic chemistry, with special reference to co-ordination compounds, the chemistry of the solid state, and the chemistry of the heavy elements. His studies of metal carbonyls, co-ordination compounds of olefin hydrocarbons, and isotope exchange reactions of metal ammines played some part in the growth of current theories of the structure of metallic complexes. His interest in non-stoichiometric compounds and in the chemical significance of the modern theory of solids has contributed to our knowledge of the mechanism of reaction involving solids, and of semiconductors. As deputy head of the Chemistry Division of the British Atomic Energy Research Establishment, he was responsible for shaping the programme of pure and applied inorganic chemical research of that project, and for initiating work in high temperature chemistry, the chemistry of the natural radio­-elements and other topics.