Molecular ruthenium catalysts, during the last decade, have provided new indispensable synthetic methods that cannot be promoted by other catalysts, and they now constitute an emerging field for the selective preparation of fine chemicals. The major reaction types for carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation, most of them with atom economy, are comprehensively discussed by leading experts. The authors highlight the most important discoveries in ruthenium catalysis and propose activation processes, some of them being still controversial. They illustrate the innovation and usefulness in organic synthesis of specific reactions including carbocyclization, cyclopropanation, olefin metathesis, carbonylation, oxidation, transformation of silicon containing substrates, and show novel reactions operating via vinylidene intermediates, radical processes, inert bonds activation as well as catalysis in water. Therefore, the reader will receive a balanced view of this rapidly developing field.

The series Topics in Organometallic Chemistry presents critical overviews of research results in organometallic chemistry. As our understanding of organometallic structure, properties and mechanisms increases, new ways are opened for the design of organometallic compounds and reactions tailored to the needs of such diverse areas as organic synthesis, medical research, biology and materials science. Thus the scope of coverage includes a broad range of topics in pure and applied organometallic chemistry, where new breakthroughs are being achieved that are of significance to a larger scientific audience. The individual volumes of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry are thematic. Review articles are generally invited by the volume editors.

The series Topics in Organometallic Chemistry presents critical overviews of research results in organometallic chemistry. As our understanding of organometallic structure, properties and mechanisms increases, new ways are opened for the design of organometallic compounds and reactions tailored to the needs of such diverse areas as organic synthesis, medical research, biology and materials science. Thus the scope of coverage includes a broad range of topics in pure and applied organometallic chemistry, where new breakthroughs are being achieved that are of significance to a larger scientific audience. The individual volumes of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry are thematic. Review articles are generally invited by the volume editors.

Molecular ruthenium catalysts, during the last decade, have provided new indispensable synthetic methods that cannot be promoted by other catalysts, and they now constitute an emerging field for the selective preparation of fine chemicals. The major reaction types for carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation, most of them with atom economy, are comprehensively discussed by leading experts. The authors highlight the most important discoveries in ruthenium catalysis and propose activation processes, some of them being still controversial. They illustrate the innovation and usefulness in organic synthesis of specific reactions including carbocyclization, cyclopropanation, olefin metathesis, carbonylation, oxidation, transformation of silicon containing substrates, and show novel reactions operating via vinylidene intermediates, radical processes, inert bonds activation as well as catalysis in water. Therefore, the reader will receive a balanced view of this rapidly developing field.