Science of Synthesis provides a critical review of the synthetic methodology developed from the early 1800s to date for the entire field of organic and organometallic chemistry. As the only resource providing full-text descriptions of organic transformations and synthetic methods as well as experimental procedures, Science of Synthesis is therefore a unique chemical information tool. Over 1000 world-renowned experts have chosen the most important molecular transformations for a class of organic compounds and elaborated on their scope and limitations. The systematic, logical and consistent organization of the synthetic methods for each functional group enables users to quickly find out which methods are useful for a particular synthesis and which are not. Effective and practical experimental procedures can be implemented quickly and easily in the lab.// The content of this e-book was originally published in December 2007.

Science of Synthesis: Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations is the entirely new edition of the acclaimed reference series Houben-Weyl, the standard synthetic chemistry resource since 1909. This new edition is published in English and will comprise 48 volumes published between the years 2000 and 2008.

Science of Synthesis is a quality reference work developed by a highly esteemed editorial board to provide a comprehensive and critical selection of reliable organic and organometallic synthetic methods. This unique resource is designed to be the first point of reference when searching for a synthesis strategy.

• Contains the expertise of presently 400 leading chemists worldwide
• Critically evaluates the preparative applicability and significance of the synthetic methods
• Discusses relevant background information and provides detailed experimental procedures

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36.1 Product Class 1: Alkanols
36.1.1 Synthesis by Oxidation
36.1.2 Synthesis by Reduction
36.1.3 Synthesis by Substitution
36.1.4 Synthesis by Addition to Alkynes and Alkenes
36.1.5 Synthesis by Carbonylation Reactions
36.1.6 Synthesis by Addition of Organometallics to Carbon Dioxide, Carboxylic Acids, and Derivatives
36.1.7 Synthesis by Addition of Organometallics to Aldehydes and Ketones
36.1.8 Synthesis by Resolution and Inversion Methods
36.1.9 Synthesis from Other Alcohols by Modification
36.2 Product Class 2: Cycloalkanols
36.3 Product Class 3: Propargylic Alcohols
36.4 Product Class 4: Benzylic Alcohols
36.5 Product Class 5: Allylic Alcohols
36.6 Product Class 6: Homoallylic Alcohols
36.7 Product Class 7: 1,n-Diols (n >1)
36.8 Product Class 8: Polyols, Including Carbohydrates
36.9 Product Class 9: β-Hydroxy Carbonyl Compounds
36.10 Product Class 10: n-Heteroatom-Functionalized Alcohols (n ≥2; Heteroatom ≠ Halogen)
36.11 Product Class 11: Alcohols and Diols by Deprotection
36.12 Product Class 12: Metal Alcoholates