MICHAEL B. SMITH, PhD, is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. His research interests focus on developing asymmetric reactions based on manipulating chiral, nonracemic lactams. This work is applied to the development of new synthetic methods and the synthesis of polycyclic alkaloids with antitumor or antiviral activity. Dr. Smith is responsible for developing a new reagent for determining the enantiomeric composition of alcohols and amines bearing a chiral center.

“…this volume and the series remain an important addition to the library of practicing medicinal/organic chemists.” (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 47, No. 4)

• Preface. Abbreviations.Index, Monofunctional Compounds.Index, Difunctional Compounds.Introduction.1. Preparation of Alkynes.2. Preparation of Acid Derivatives and Anhydrides.3. Preparation of Alcohols.4. Preparation of Aldehydes.5. Preparation of Alkyls, Methylenes and Aryls.6. Preparation of Amides.7. Preparation of Amines.8. Preparation of Esters.9. Preparation of Ethers, Epoxides and Thioethers.10 . Preparation of Halides and Sulfonates.11. Preparation of Hydrides.12. Preparation of Ketones.13. Preparation of Nitriles.14. Preparation of Alkenes.15. Preparation of Oxides.16. Preparation of Difunctional Compounds.Author Index.