Book excerpt: Advances in Organic Synthesis is a book series devoted to the latest advances in synthetic approaches towards challenging structures. The series presents comprehensive reviews written by eminent authorities on different synthetic approaches to selected target molecules and new methods developed to achieve specific synthetic transformations or optimal product yields. Advances in Organic Synthesis is essential for all organic chemists in academia and the industry who wish to keep abreast of rapid and important developments in the field. Contents of this volume include: - Metal-Free and Acid-Free Activation of Carbonyl Moiety Using Molecular Halogens or N-Halamines - Anti-algal Study on Polymeric Coating Containing Metal-Metal Oxide Core-shell Nanoparticles - Functionalized Catalyst for Efficient Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Fluorination - Synthesis and Applications of Small Fluorescent Molecules - Recent Achievements in the Synthesis of Aromatic Five-Membered Heterocycles Containing One Heteroatom - Basic Ionic Liquid Catalyzed Cycloaddition Reactions for the Synthesis of 1, 2, 3-Triazoles