This book was undertaken for the purpose of bringing together the widely diverse lines of experimental work and thinking which has been expressed but has often been unheard on the title question. It will be clear to the reader that a critical viewpoint has been maintained in assembling the material of this rapidly expanding area of concern to organic chemists. It should be clear, too, that the authors are not purvey ing a singular viewpoint and do not regard the discussions presented as the ultimate word on the subject. In fact, it should be anticipated that many ofthe viewpoints pre sented may have to be altered in the light of new developments. In recognition of this and to show the wayan appendix of recent results and interpretation has been included where an alteration in viewpoint on some of the material treated in the text has been necessitated by developments in the most recent literature. This ap pendix should be regarded as the reader's opportunity to maintain currency in all aspects of this subject ifit is kept abreast of the literature. The bibliography, from which most of the material of discussion has been drawn, is organized in a somewhat unusual manner which deserves some explana tion here. A reference citation can consist of (as much as) a six space combination of letters and numerals.

The Sixth Edition of a classic in organic chemistry continues its tradition of excellence Now in its sixth edition, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry remains the gold standard in organic chemistry. Throughout its six editions, students and chemists from around the world have relied on it as an essential resource for planning and executing synthetic reactions. The Sixth Edition brings the text completely current with the most recent organic reactions. In addition, the references have been updated to enable readers to find the latest primary and review literature with ease. New features include: More than 25,000 references to the literature to facilitate further research Revised mechanisms, where required, that explain concepts in clear modern terms Revisions and updates to each chapter to bring them all fully up to date with the latest reactions and discoveries A revised Appendix B to facilitate correlating chapter sections with synthetic transformations

Annotation. Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued. The current list of Specialist Periodical Reports can be seen on the inside flap of this volume.

Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued. The current list of Specialist Periodical Reports can be seen on the inside flap of this volume.

Although it was shown very early [1] that the isotope 29Si is very valuable for NMR research, severe technical difficulties had to be overcome before silicon spectra could be recorded. This was due to the low sensitivity of the isotope resulting from its low gyro magnetic ratio, its low abundance and the rather long relaxation times. The introduction of the Fourier-Transform-Technique (FT-NMR) helped to surmount most of these problems, with the result, that more and more papers concerning silicon NMR appear. Thus, it seems now that most of the salient features of 29Si-NMR are known today. Some resume of the state of the art of 29Si_NMR have been reported [1-4]. Although the theory of 29Si-NMR is not yet understood beyond the basic features, it promises to be of value mainly for two reasons: 1. Silicon is strategically located in the Periodic Table of the elements between the elements carbon, aluminum and phosphorus. For an unified theory of chemical shifts and coupling constants of the heavier elements silicon NMR values will be important. 2. The normal coordination number of silicon is four. If the current view of the chemical shifts of the heavier elements is correct, then the paramagnetic part is dominant for the measured shift data. Two of the parameters used for the calcu lation of the paramagnetic part are bond orders and angles. Bond angles are rare ly determined experimentally with high precision.

Advances in Organometallic Chemistry