Teil I stellt neue Methoden und Reagentien vor, unter anderem für die Knüpfung von Kohlenstoff-Kohlenstoff-Bindungen mit Hilfe von Metallocenen, Enzymen oder Kohlenhydratkomplexen. Teil II beschreibt besonders elegante Synthesen von einzelnen Naturstoffen sowie neue synthetische Strategien, die einen Zugang zu unterschiedlichen Naturstoffklassen ermöglichen. Fortgeschrittenen Studenten und Forschungschemikern bietet dieses Buch einen Eindruck wie kreativ die organische Synthese sein kann und gibt Antworten auf die zur Zeit kontrovers diskutierte Frage 'organische Synthese - wohin?'
From a review of Volume I: 'The essays are particularly nice starting ponts for planning one or a series of lectures for an advanced synthesis course ... This [book]is entertaining to read and it is packed with references.' (J. Am. Chem. Soc.) From reviews of Volume II: 'Organic Syntheis Highlights II is a collection of 40 articles which provide an overview of some of the most recent and important accomplishments in organic synthesis ... 'Organic Syntheis Highlights II is well-organized, and each of the topics are well-referenced and timely. The diverse nature of the topics included in this text make it a very valuable reference to anyone interested in organic chemistry.' (Journal of Natural Products) 'The treatment is very suitable for advanced, graduate students, as well as those with experience beyond the Ph. D. level, and the book is clearly an excellent starting point for an introductory overview of the subjects it covers ... Any synthetic organic chemist in the early stages of a research career will find this a helpful - and enjoyable - source of information and an excellent overview of the state of modern organic synthesis. The present book is the second of ist type from VCH, and I hope that a third volume will appear in due course.' (J. Am. Chem. Soc.) 'Organic Syntheis Highlights II will obviously be of great value for post-graduate students and for everyone interested in modern synthetic methods. It is also eminently suitable as a source for preparing seminars and colloquia for advanced undergraduate students. From the standpoint of students especially, it would of course be helpful if this excellent book could also be published in a cheaper paperback edition.' (Angewandte Chemie, International Edition)