The field of organometallic chemistry has enjoyed explosive growth in recent years. During this time a rapidly increasing number of metals have found utility in organic synthesis as the corresponding organometallic compounds. The sub ject of "Organic Synthesis by Means of Transition Metal Complexes" was reviewed in the first volume of this series of monographs. This volume deals primarily with the appli cation of organomercury compounds in organic synthesis (exclusive of solvomercuration-demercuration reactions), but will of necessity involve a number of reactions of other organometallics as well. Organomercurials are among the oldest known organo metallics and were perhaps the first to have an entire book devoted to their chemistry, when Whitmore wrote an American Chemical Society monograph on the subject in 1921. Subsequently, two very detailed monographs on the subject have appeared. In 1967 "The Organic Compounds of Mercury", volume 4 in the series "Methods of Elemento Organic Chemistry" appeared and this was followed in 1974 by Houben Weyl's full volume, Band XIII/2b, devoted entirely to the organometallic compounds of mercury. These books cover the entire field of organomercury chemistry.

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.

A knowledge of the chemical structure and concentration of organometal compounds throughout the ecosystem is important in working out the pathways and mechanisms by which metals distribute themselves throughout the environment. Treating the topic as an integrated subject area, the Second Edition of Organometallic Compounds in the Environment covers all the recent developments in analytical techniques and reports all the new work that has been achieved since the first book. Covers the general importance and characteristics of organometallic species. Includes general developments in analytical techniques. Discusses several minority elements including antimony and selenium. The book addresses the subject in a single, manageable size and each chapter can be used either as a single review or sequentially within the topic area. A useful resource for all researchers and scientists in industry working with organometallic compounds, including, chemists, environmentalists and ecologists.

On cover: IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety. Published under the joint sponsorship of WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Labour Organization and produced within the framework of the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IPCS).

This book, written explicitly for graduate and postgraduate students of chemistry, provides an extensive coverage of various organic reaction and rearrangements with emphasis on there application in synthesis. A summary of oxidation and reduction of organic compounds is given in tabular form (correlation tables) for the convenience of students. The most commonly encountered reaction intermediates are dealt with. Applications of organic reagents illustrated with examples and problems at the end of each chapter will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the topic.

Mercury is widespread in our environment. Methylmercury, one organic form of mercury, can accumulate up the aquatic food chain and lead to high concentrations in predatory fish. When consumed by humans, contaminated fish represent a public health risk. Combustion processes, especially coal-fired power plants, are major sources of mercury contamination in the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering regulating mercury emissions from those plants. Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury reviews the health effects of methylmercury and discusses the estimation of mercury exposure from measured biomarkers, how differences between individuals affect mercury toxicity, and appropriate statistical methods for analysis of the data and thoroughly compares the epidemiological studies available on methylmercury. Included are discussions of current mercury levels on public health and a delineation of the scientific aspects and policy decisions involved in the regulation of mercury. This report is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the public health effects and regulation of mercury. The report also provides an excellent example of the implications of decisions in the risk assessment process for a larger audience.