Since it is one of the core disciplines, every student of organic chemistry will need to cover organic synthesis at some point. This third edition of an extremely well-received and proven textbook is specially written with advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mind, although it is equally useful for research chemists, too. The text has been enlarged by 15 % to include new chapters on combinatoric chemistry, non-covalent molecular assemblies and the use of the Internet for searching chemical compounds. The authors have chosen the methods included here for their efficiency, elegance, and didactic value and have highlighted important reactions within the text.

From reviews of the second edition:

'The text is very readable, and the authors are especially gifted at explaining complex concepts clearly and succinctly...This book is highly recommended reading for anyone wishing to gain an overview of organic synthesis.' J. Am. Chem. Soc.

With his preface, Noble prizewinner E. J. Corey has also endorsed this already highly acclaimed work.