Since the publication Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry in 1982, studies on the chemistry of molecules with carbon-metal bonds have continued to expand rapidly. This is due to many factors, ranging from the sheer intellectual challenge and excitement provided by the continuing production of novel results, which demand new ideas, through to the successful application of organometallic species in organic syntheses, the generation of living catalysts for polymerization, and the synthesis of precursors for materials employed in the electronic and ceramic industries. These factors led to the publication of the updated Comprehensive Organometallic Chemistry II. The original work serves as a basis for new volumes, focusing on organometallic chemistry reported since 1982, with reference back to the original work when necessary. For ease of use the new volumes maintain the same general structure as employed previously but reflect the changes in substance and direction the field has undergone in the last ten years. This book will serve as a pivotal reference point for new work and will function to generate new ideas and perceptions for the continued advance of what will surely continue as a vibrant area of chemistry.

The number of organometallic compounds containing heteronuclear metal-metal bonds has grown tremendously in the last ten years. Also known as cluster compounds, these compounds have been found to exhibit a rich diversity of molecular structures and reactivities. Descriptions of the structures and transformations of the complexes are central features. Separate chapters have been prepared for compounds containing bonds between transition metals and the metals of the copper and zinc subgroups. Unlike COMC, this volume contains an entire chapter devoted to studies of heteronuclear metal compounds in catalysis.

Organometallic chemistry is an interdisciplinary science which continues to grow at a rapid pace. Although there is continued interest in synthetic and structural studies the last decade has seen a growing interest in the potential of organometallic chemistry to provide answers to problems in catalysis synthetic organic chemistry and also in the development of new materials. This Specialist Periodical Report aims to reflect these current interests reviewing progress in theoretical organometallic chemistry, main group chemistry, the lanthanides and all aspects of transition metal chemistry. 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.

Fully updated and expanded to reflect recent advances, this Fourth Edition of the classic text provides students and professional chemists with an excellent introduction to the principles and general properties of organometallic compounds, as well as including practical information on reaction mechanisms and detailed descriptions of contemporary applications.