Book excerpt: Science of Synthesis: Houben-Weyl Methods of Molecular Transformations is the entirely new edition of the acclaimed reference series, Houben-Weyl, the standard synthetic chemistry resource since 1909. This new edition is published in English and will comprise 48 volumes published between the years 2000 and 2008. Science of Synthesis is a quality reference work developed by a highly esteemed editorial board to provide a comprehensive and critical selection of reliable organic and organometallic synthetic methods. This unique resource is designed to be the first point of reference when searching for a synthesis strategy. Contains the expertise of presently 400 leading chemists worldwide Critically evaluates the preparative applicability and significance of the synthetic methods Discusses relevant background information and provides detailed experimental procedures For full information on the Science of Synthesis series, visit the Science of Synthesis Homepage.