Heterocyclic chemistry comprises at least half of all organic chemistry research worldwide. In particular, the vast majority of organic work done in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries is heterocyclic chemistry.
The fourth edition of Heterocyclic Chemistry retains its original aims and flavour, thus maintaining the principal objective of earlier editions - to teach the fundamentals of heterocyclic reactivity and synthesis in a way that is understandable to second- and third-year undergraduate chemistry students. In recognition of the level at which much heterocyclic chemistry is now normally taught, the authors have included more advanced material, making the book appropriate both for postgraduate taught courses and to postgraduate students. It is important to emphasise that the more advanced sections of the book make it an important reference work for chemists at all levels who are working with heterocyclic compounds in industry.
The preparation of the fourth edition has allowed the authors to review thoroughly the material included in earlier editions, to amend it in the light of new knowledge, and to include much recent work. For example, new sections deal with heterocyclic aspects of combinatorial chemistry, bioprocessing, and conducting polymers. In its more advanced sections, the book emphasises modern methods for the synthesis and chemical manipulation of heterocyclic compounds.
Essential teaching material in the early chapters aims to capture the essence of heterocyclic reactivity in concise resumes suitable either as introductions, or as revisions/summaries for examination preparation. These early chapters are followed by detailed, systematic discussions of the chemical reactivity of particular heterocyclic systems. Original references and references to reviews are given throughout the text. These are essential for postgraduate teaching and to research workers, but do not interfere with the readability of the text for undergraduate students. Problems, divided into straightforward revision exercises, and more challenging questions (with solutions as an Appendix), help the reader to understand and apply the principles of heterocyclic reactivity and synthesis.
