This volume of Inorganic Syntheses spans the preparations of wide range of important inorganic, organometallic and solid-state compounds. The volume is divided into 6 chapters. The first chapter contains the syntheses of some key early transition metal halide clusters and the very useful mononuclear molybdenum(III) synthon, MoCl3(THF)3. Chapter 2 covers the synthesis of a number of cyclopentadienyl compounds, including a novel route to sodium and potassium cyclopentadienide, MC5H5. Chapter 3 details synthetic procedures for a range of metal-metal bonded compounds, including several with metal-metal multiple bonds. Chapter 4 contains procedures for a range of early and late transition metal compounds, each a useful synthon for further synthetic elaboration. Chapter 5 deals with the synthesis of a number of main group compounds and ligands, while Chapter 6 covers teaching laboratory experiments.

The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance traces the evolution and development of the periodic table, from Mendeleev's 1869 first published table and onto the modern understanding provided by modern physics.

The present volume in the organogermanium series describes mononuclear compounds containing only germanium-carbon and germanium-hydrogen bonds (Chapter 1.3). Germanium hydrides with other additional non-carbon ligands, such as halogen or oxygen bonded groups, appear in later chapters according to the Gmelin principle of the last posi tion. Compounds with Ge-H and Ge-O bonds have already been described in Volume 5, Section 1.5.1.4, pp. 50/62. The present volume covers the literature to the end of 1992 and includes many references up to 1994. The nomenclature recommended by IUPAC has been generally adhered to. However, compound names were largely avoided, as most of the compounds are presented in tables and are only identified by their formulas. Many of the data in the tables appear in abbreviated form without units; general explanations are given on pp. X/XI. The volume contains an empirical formula index (p. 327) and a ligand formula index (p.341). The editor wishes to express his gratitude to the former author, Professor J. E. Drake, and to Professor J. Satge for his kind advice and fruitful collaboration. Thanks are due also to Dr. A. R. Pebler for editing the English text and to Mr. H.-G. Karrenberg for drawing the numerous formulas and molecular structures.

Ceramics are refractory, inorganic, and non-metallic materials. They can be divided into two classes: traditional and advanced. Traditional ceramics include clay products, silicate glass and cement; while advanced ceramics consist of carbides (SiC), pure oxides (Al2O3), nitrides (Si3N4), non-silicate glasses and many others. Ceramics offer many advantages compared to other materials. They are harder and stiffer than steel; more heat and corrosion resistant than metals or polymers; less dense than most metals and their alloys; and their raw materials are both plentiful and inexpensive. Ceramic materials display a wide range of properties which facilitate their use in many different product areas. This new book presents leading-edge research in this field from around the world.

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.