Early Main Group Metal Catalysis gives a comprehensive overview of catalytic reactions in the presence of group 1 and group 2 metals. Chapters are ordered to reaction type, contain educational elements and deal with concepts illustrated by examples that cover the main developments. After a short introduction on polar organometallic chemistry and synthesis of early main group metal complexes, a variety of catalytic reactions are described, e.g. polymerization of alkenes, hydroamination and phosphination reactions, hydrosilylation, hydroboration and hydrogenation catalysis, as well as enantioselective and Lewis-acid catalysis. The book addresses organic chemists and researchers in industry interested in the state-of-the-art and new possibilities of early main group metal catalysis as well as newcomers to the field. Written by a team of leaders in the field, it is a very welcome addition to the area of main group metal chemistry, and to the field of catalysis.

This is the first handbook to cover in detail all aspects of this fascinating field of chemistry. In this handy two-volume set, readers will instantly find the information they need, clearly structured according to the individual metals in the main groups, hitherto only accessible after much time-consuming research. The result is in indispensable aid for everyday work in the lab. Alongside all the classical organic reactions, this book focuses on the modern variations as well as novel, current reactions in organic synthesis that are closely linked to main group elements - both stoechiometric and catalytic. With this work the two prizewinning editors have succeeded in producing a comprehensive compendium of the main group metals as reagents for organic reactions. In short, this is a must for every organic chemist, whether as an efficient introduction to current research, for retaining an overview or for looking up detailed information.

This book looks at how molecules react, and how the feasibility and outcome of chemical reactions can be predicted. Beginning with an introduction to the concept of an activity series of metals, Metals and Chemical Change then introduces chemical thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy and free energy) and applies the concept to both inorganic and organic elements. A Case Study on batteries and fuel cells is also included. The accompanying CD-ROM includes video sequences of the reactions of metals with water, acid and aqueous ions, and gives the reader an opportunity to make experimental observations and predictions about chemical behaviour. A comprehensive Data Book of chemical and physical constants is included, along with a set of interactive self-assessment questions. The Molecular World series provides an integrated introduction to all branches of chemistry for both students wishing to specialise and those wishing to gain a broad understanding of chemistry and its relevance to the everyday world and to other areas of science. The books, with their Case Studies and accompanying multi-media interactive CD-ROMs, will also provide valuable resource material for teachers and lecturers. (The CD-ROMs are designed for use on a PC running Windows 95, 98, ME or 2000.)

The individual chapters in this volume cover the scope and impact of main group organometallic compounds and reagents on organic synthesis during the last ten to fifteen years. In a number of chapters, topics are dealt with in detail that either were not covered at all in COMC (eg selenium, tellurium) or were given scant attention (eg oxymercuration, organoantimony compounds). Certain topics, like directed metallation and LiKOR bases have only achieved prominence in synthesis in the last ten years, and are now reviewed by leading experts.