COFGT-II provides the first point of entry to the literature for all scientists interested in chemical transformations. Presenting the vast subject of organic synthesis in terms of the introduction and interconversion of all known functional groups, COFGT-II provides a unique information source documenting all methods of efficiently performing a particular transformation. Organized by the functional group formed, COFGT-II consists of 144 specialist reviews, written by leading scientists who evaluate and summarize the methods available for each functional group transformation.

In this Volume, containing 24 chapters devoted to carbon attached by single bonds to two heteroatoms, the reader will find several chapters reviewing the synthesis of familiar functional groups, notably acetals, dithioacetals, aminals and the various mixed species. The derivatives with tetracoordinated (saturated) carbon are described in Part I and those, eg. ketene acetals, of tricoordinated carbon in Part II. However, the treatment is comprehensive and the authors have uncovered much fascinating chemistry concerning less familiar groups, including some like geminal halohydrins, halo amines and diols that are often unstable. Again, a surprisingly large number of compounds having two metals attached to the same carbon have been located in the literature, and the abundance of phosphorus derivatives, eg. those with geminal nitrogen functions, reflects their importance as biologically active species and as intermediates in synthesis. Part III consists of a single, short chapter describing dicoordinate carbon (carbenes) and examples of carbon cations, anions and radicals. Here the treatment is deliberately selective since throughout the work as a whole emphasis is placed on the synthesis of isolable species rather than the transient intermediates of organic reactions.

This Volume, which is in three parts, includes some of the most important functional groups of organic chemistry. Part I deals with the synthesis of carboxylic acids and their derivatives (acid halides, esters, amides etc.) together with their imino-, thio-, seleno and telluro analogues. Part II covers cumulenes such as isocyanates, isothiocyanates, carbodiimides and related compounds, whilst Part III deals with triply bonded functional groups.

This Volume covers the formation of carbon-carbon single-, double- and triple bonds by substitution and addition reactions as well as by various rearrangements. The formation of carbon-carbon multiple bonds by elimination and condensation procedures is fully documented. In addition the synthesis of carbon-hydrogen bonds principally by substitution and addition reactions is featured as is the preparation of a wide variety of carbon-centred anions, cations and radicals.