Cycloaddition Reactions in Organic Synthesis

Demonstrates the wide scope of cycloaddition reactions, including the Diels-Alder reaction, the ene reaction, 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions and [2+2] cycloadditions in organic synthesis. The author, a leading exponent of the subject, illustrates the ways in which they can be employed in the synthesis of a wide range of carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds, including a variety of natural products of various types. Special attention is given to intramolecular reactions, which often provide a rapid and efficient route to polycyclic compounds, and to the stereochemistry of the reactions, including recent and developing work on enantioselective synthesis.

This is an excellent explanatory book that looks at a structure building relationship of general use in organic chemistry. The book stylishly written and edited and will undoubtedly be of value to all those with an interest in this area of organic chemistry.
Chemistry in Britain
Herbert Waldmann, Institut für Organische Chemie, Germany
Carruther's book succeeds well in its aims. It contains a wealth of elegant and well-chosen examples, which are very well-suited for illustrating lectures to advanced students. At the same time it provides the interested synthetic chemist, whether in a university of industry, with an excellent overview of the current state of research (up to 1988). Thus the monograph fits well into the scheme of the other volumes in this "Organic Chemistry" series. Since no other comparable work exists at present, and this volume is also very attractively priced, its purchase can be recommended unreservedly.
Angewandte Chemie
D W Knight
...it provides an excellent introduction to cycloaddition reactions as well as the useful literature leads and it therefore should be readily available to all Postgraduate students working in synthetic organic chemistry.
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology