Book excerpt: Filling a gap on the market, this handbook and ready reference is unique in its discussion of the usefulness of various heterocyclic systems in the synthesis of natural products. Clearly structured for easy access to the information, each chapter is devoted to a certain class of heterocycle, providing a tabular presentation of the natural products to be covered containing the particular heterocyclic ring system along with their biological profile, occurrence and most important physical properties, backed by the appropriate references. In addition, the application of the heterocyclic system to the synthesis of natural products ic covered in detail. Of great interest to organic, natural products, medicinal and biochemists, as well as those working in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry.