Transition Metal Catalysis

This primer is designed to introduce junior practitioners to the fundamentals of transition metal catalysis and the new exciting areas of research that have emerged over the past few decades. Chapter 1 focuses on the impact that transition metal catalysis has had on organic chemistry and society. Chapter 2 surveys the general properties of transition metals, including the elementary steps that enable catalysis. This complements the typical undergraduate organic chemistry curriculum on transition metals, which is generally confined to organolithium, organomagnesium (i.e., the Grignard reaction), and organocuprate (i.e., the Gilman reaction) reagents that are not catalysts. Chapter 3 covers classic transition metal catalysis, and Chapter 4 delves into modern developments, including C−H functionalization, metal carbene chemistry, and photochemistry.

Throughout the primer are useful pedagogical features to enhance the reading experience: a pop-up glossary provides seamless learning, Insider Q&A videos offer expert explanations and opinions, That’s a Wrap bulleted summaries appear at the end of each chapter as does the section Read These Next, a brief list of suggested references to aid readers’ transition into the literature.