Neutral reactive intermediates play a key role in synthetic chemistry. Intended for undergraduates, this primer concentrates on this role; the important reactions of these electron-deficient species are laid out clearly, with carefully chosen examples illustrating their use in organic synthesis.

'This concise text concentrates on the last aspect of reactive intermediate chemistry; the important reactions of these electron-deficient species are laid out clearly and simply, with carefull chosen examples illustrating their use in organic synthesis. Each chapter includes a few problems as well as suggestions with an invaluable summary of this important topic in organic chemistry.' Flash Technique 'This is a particularly successful item in this series of chemistry primers. The presentation is lucid. This is a really useful supplement to textbooks.' Aslib Book Guide, Vol.58, No. 1, January 1993 'With student grants diminishing in purchasing power, it is pleasing to come across an advanced undergraduate textbook on this subject at under £5.00. Admittedly it is a short book, but the material is attractively presented and profusely illustrated with chemical structures.' Times Higher