Hardbound.
1997 As stated in the first sentence of the introduction, the objective of this monumental work is to cover the enormous field of organic synthesis by describing methods for introducing or modifying functional groups. For this huge task the editors have chosen a structural form that is simple, convenient, and easily memorized by the user. In this system the experimental information is arranged according to the number of attached heteroatoms...the editors have admirably fulfilled their purpose of providing a route into the literature for the chemist seeking synthetic methods for a particular functional group. This is helped by the clear systematic arrangement mentioned above and by the comprehensive subject index. --
Angew. Chem.1997 The most distinguished feature of COFGT is its product-based organization. To exploit this organizational scheme, readers would begin their search on the basis of the functional group they wish to produce, rather that the reaction they wish to perform, or the starting materials they wish to employ. A very helpful feature of COFGT is the referencing system. Superscripted numbers have been abandoned in favor of a simple code which provides journal title, year, and page number without the intermediacy of a bibliography. For example, "<83JA5935>" replaces a superscript/bibliography entry combination citing "J. Am. Chem. Soc.
1983, 5935". This system is particularly convenient when several articles are of interest. Full bibliographic entries appear at the end of each volume, as does the key for journal codes.
Given the rapid pace of change and the importance of synthetic organic chemistry, an easy-to-use and comprehensive source for up-to-date information in this field is needed and would be widely welcomed. --
Richard Apodaca, J. Am. Chem. Soc.1997 This work was written by synthetic organic chemists for synthetic organic chemists; it reflects the skill of the editors in their planning and organizing and subdividing the vast amount of information covered. This aspect is at least as important as the assembly and presentation of factual material. As might be anticipated, productive, efficient utilization of this massive compendium of information requires that the reader familiarize him/herself with the details of organization employed by the editors. These are adequately explained in the Introduction to each volume. Additionally, literature references in the text are indicated by a space-saving, abbreviated system that the reader can rapidly master. Subject indices in the individual volumes and the cumulative subject index in Volume 7 are comprehensive and complete. This reviewer had little difficulty in location specific topics, retrieving specific information, and identifying literature citations. Chapter authors have included useful relevant historical background material and discussions of mechanistic aspects of the functional group chemistry being addressed. This chemistry is thoroughly and comprehensively explored in all of the chapters. The narratives reflect the contemporary state of chemical knowledge; the authors have done well in providing information which should serve as a stimulus for developing new ideas for solutions to synthetic challenges, for both beginners and experienced chemists. It seems inadequate to state that the editors and authors have assembled a gold mine of chemical information.
...Overall, this seven-volume set is a well-done, comprehensive exposition of functional group chemistry applicable to use by synthetic organic chemists. This work is an excellent compilation of information on the chemistry of specific functional groups as well as a source of ideas for planning multistep synthetic sequences. --
Joseph G. Cannon, J. Med. Chem.3 June 1996 In synthetic routes, we use, then discard or modify, organic functionality that is not present in the target structure. For this reason, we need to choose the best functional group interconversions to link the different stages of the synthetic route. There are a great many to choose from, and their listing in this seven-volume book is a monumental achievement.
Comprehensive Organic Functional Group Transformations is not an A to B guide to choosing the right transformation method. Such a guide would not be possible at a 'comprehensive' level here because an all-encompassing definition of what constitutes a 'functional group' has been adopted, making the subject too large. In each volume of the book, the groups are classified by the type of heteroatom attached to carbon, with common and rare functionality set shoulder-to-shoulder. This approach in itself will contribute to the development of new ideas....Comprehensive Organic Functional Group Transformations will be an indispensable tool in organic syntheses for many years to come, and will contribute to the design of better synthetic routes and the invention of better methods. It will have proved its worth and repaid the vast labour of its creation long before its role is swept away by a 'far-off' and, perhaps, unobtainable 'mature' phase of synthesis, in which methodology uses a cannon of reactions so powerful that compromises over the positioning of functional groups need never be considered. -- G. Richard Stephenson, Chemistry & Industry
July 1997 Every page of the volumes is packed with information, but going reasonably from general observations to special applications. Yields are usually mentioned as are stereochemical implications and the effects of reaction variants. Also, throughout the treatise good use is made of tabular surveys. Reaction schemes follow a uniform format and are generally clearly drawn. -- E. Schaumann, Synthesis
July/August 1996 This multivolume treatise provides thorough and extensive coverage of the chemistry of a vast number of organic functional group transformations.... To avoid duplication of information among the volumes of this comprehensive opus, the editors and authors have utilized the "Latest Placement Principle,".... This rigorous ordering of material is very helpful for finding specific information.... The extensive number of figures, reaction schemes, and tables are clearly presented, and the writing is uniformly excellent. This set will provide rapid access to detailed information on organic functional group transformations not readily available elsewhere. A necessary addition to libraries in research institutions, industrial organizations, and chemistry departments where either basic or applied research in organic chemistry is undertaken. Graduate through professional. -- H.T. McKone, Saint Joseph College, Choice
