There are only few topics in organometallic chemistry, which have stimulated research activities in as many areas, as transition-metal carbene (alkylidene) complexes. About 25 years after the first planned synthesis of a carbene complex in E.O. Fischer''s laboratory in Munich the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Transition-Metal Carbene Complexes was the first meeting which,brought together scientists from different disciplines to discuss inorganic, organic, theoretical structural catalysis-related aspects of metal carbene chemistry. The 70th birthday of Professor E.O. Fischer was a good occasion for this enterprise. The organizers of the meeting (K.D. Dotz, Marburg; F.R. KreiBl, Munchen; U. Schubert, Wurzburg) were encouraged by the fact that most of the leading scientists in this area were able to participate in the workshop. The very high standard of the contributions is reflected in this book, which contains papers from the majority of the participants. The Proceedings show the state of the art in metal carbene chemistry and will hopefully be a landmark in the development of this area of chemistry. Generous financial support for the workshop and for the preparation of this book was provided by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO and some companies. The organizers also acknowledge the efforts of the staff of the Bildungs zentrum der Hans-Seidel-Stiftung in Wild bad Kreuth for creating a pleasant and stimulating atmosphere during the conference.
