Transition metals open up new opportunities for synthesis, because their means
of bonding and their reaction mechanisms differ from those of the elements of
the s and p blocks. In the last two decades the subject has mushroomed -
established reactions are seeing both technical improvements and increasing
numbers of applications, and new reactions are being developed. The
practicality of the subject is demonstrated by the large number of publications
coming from the process development laboratories of pharmaceutical companies,
and its importance is underlined by the fact that three Nobel prizes have been
awarded for discoveries in this field in the 21st Century already. Organic
Synthesis Using Transition Metals, 2nd Edition considers the ways in which
transition metals, as catalysts and reagents, can be used in organic synthesis,
both for pharmaceutical compounds and for natural products. It concentrates on
the bond-forming reactions that set transition metal chemistry apart from
classical organic chemistry. Each chapter is extensively referenced and
provides a convenient point of entry to the research literature. Topics covered
include: * introduction to transition metals in organic synthesis * coupling
reactions * C-H activation * carbonylative coupling reactions * alkene and
alkyne insertion reactions * electrophilic alkene and alkyne complexes *
reactions of alkyne complexes * carbene complexes * h^3- or p-allyl -allyl
complexes * diene, dienyl and arene complexes * cycloaddition and
cycloisomerisation reactions For this second edition the text has been
extensively revised and expanded to reflect the significant improvements and
advances in the field since the first edition, as well as the large number of
new transition metal-catalysed processes that have come to prominence in the
last 10 years - for example the extraordinary progress in coupling reactions
using designer ligands, catalysis using gold complexes, new opportunities
arising from metathesis chemistry, and C-H activation - without neglecting the
well established chemistry of metals such as palladium. Organic Synthesis Using
Transition Metals, 2nd Edition will find a place on the bookshelves of advanced
undergraduates and postgraduates working in organic synthesis, catalysis,
medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. It is also useful for practising
researchers who want to refresh and enhance their knowledge of the field.
