Advances in Cycloaddition, Vol. 4
Mark Lautens. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. ix & 210 pp. ISBN 1-55938-695-9. $109.50.

Volume 4 of this series continues the tradition established by Dennis Curran by highlighting the diversity of cycloaddition reactions available and illustrating the opportunity for creative applications of established reactions and the discovery of new reaction pathways.

Advances in DNA Sequence-Specific Agents, Vol. 3
Graham B. Jones. JAI: Greenwich CT, 1998. x + 283 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0203-8. $109.50.

DNA sequence specificity plays a critical role in a number of biological processes, and influences a diverse range of molecular recognition phenomena, including protein-DNA, oligomer-DNA, and ligand-DNA interactions. This volume is intended to give the reader an up-to-date view of the current status of, and developments to be expected in the near future, in research involving DNA interactive antitumor agents. In line with the intent of the series, special emphasis is placed on issues connected with sequence specificity and molecular recognition. Whereas Volumes 1 and 2 were divided into subsections covering both analytical methods and applications, this volume focuses entirely on the macromolecule target specificity of DNA interactive developmental therapeutic agents of current interest.

Advances in Asymmetric Synthesis, Vol. 2
Alfred Hassner. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xx + 314 pp. ISBN 1-55938-797-1. $109.50.

In the six chapters of this volume, second in the series on Advances Asymmetric Synthesis, the authors, each an authority in his field, have demonstrated effective pathways leading to syntheses of a variety of functionalized molecules with good to very high enantiomeric excess.

Advances in Molecular Structure Research, Vol. 3
Magdolna Hargittai and Istvan Hargittai. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xi + 346 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0208-9. $109.50.

Progress in molecular structure research reflects progress in chemistry in many ways. Much of it is thus blended inseparably with the rest of chemistry. It appears to be prudent, however, to review the frontiers of this field from time to time. This may help the structural chemist to delineate the main thrusts of advances in this area of research. What is even more important though, these efforts may assist the rest of the chemists to learn about new possibilities in structural research. The purpose of the present series is to report the progress in structural studies, both methodological and interpretational. It aims to be a "user-oriented" series. Structural chemists of excellence critically evaluate a field or direction including their own achievements, and chart expected developments.

Advances in Strain in Organic Chemistry, Vol. 6
Brian Halton. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xi + 207 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0210-0. $109.50.

This volume comprises five distinctly different contributions woven together by the theme of strain. In opening the volume, James White and Nadine Lee provide an exemplary introduction to the use of strained molecules in natural products synthesis. It seems inevitable that more complex naturally occurring entities is an area that can do nothing but benefit from the developments in nonnatural products chemistry, and what better way to foster such interaction than by providing an authoritative discourse on the area.

Advances in Supramolecular Chemistry, Vol. 4
George W. Gokel. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xi + 338 pp. ISBN 1-55938-794-7. $109.50.

The goal in Volume 4 of Advances in Supramolecular Chemistry remains the same as for previous volumes: to present a broad range of supramolecular science recorded by an international panel of distinguished researchers. Contributions in this volume span the scientific range from electronic device development to novel synthetic receptor molecules to biomimetic ion channels.

Advances in Catalytic Processes, Vol. 2.
Asymmetric Catalysis

Michael P. Doyle. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. x + 287 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0068-x. $109.50.
This volume reports advances in asymmetric homogeneous transition metal catalysis. Heterogeneous asymmetric catalysts, although potentially more valuable, have been significantly more difficult to design to be effective, and this field is still developing. Asymmetric catalysis is a broad and rapidly growing field that strongly impacts the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and specialty chemical marketplace, and the chapters provided here are intended to assist those in these industries, as well as academic chemists, to understand what is now possible. For some of the chapters there has not been a prior review.

Advances in Biophysical Chemistry, Vol. 6
C. Allen Bush. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. x + 253 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0060-4. $109.50.

Volume 6 of Advances in Biophysical Chemistry continues the tradition of this series in providing surveys of major topics of current interest in biological macromolecules including their structure, their interactions, and relationships to biological function. The articles include the interpretations and opinions on recent developments as presented by leading experts on each research topic.

Advances in Amino Acid Mimetics and Peptidomimetics, Vol. 1
Andrew Abell. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xi + 302 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0200-3. $109.50.

Peptidomimetics offer challenging synthetic targets and are increasingly important medicinal agents and biological probes. As a consequence, peptidomimetics embrace much of what is modern medicinal and organic chemistry. This volume highlights some recent and exciting developments in the area.

Advances in Macromolecular Carbohydrate Research
Robert J. Sturgeon, Ed. JAI: Greenwich, CT, 1997. xi + 219 pp. ISBN 0-7623-0323-2. $109.50.

By far the most significant advances have been made in knowledge of the structure and function of carbohydrates in the macromolecular state, whether polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or glycolipids. New terms created to describe such work-for example glycobiology, glycotechnology, and glycoengineering-now form part of the everyday vocabulary of those interested in or working in the field of carbohydrates. Many of the advances achieved arise from the design and implementation of new analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, which allow the study of minute amounts of material.
It is clear that research initiatives will continue to influence advances in carbohydrate research for many years to come. The chapters presented here of necessity focus on a relatively small window of what is a vast subject, and provide valuable insight into a number of aspects of a rapidly developing field that will undoubtedly continue to increase in importance in the future.