Hypervalent Iodine Chemistry: Modern Developments in Organic Synthesis. Topics in Current Chemistry, 224. Edited by T. Wirth (Cardiff University). Springer-Verlag: Berlin, Heidelberg, New York. 2003. x + 264 pp. $189.00. ISBN 3-540-44107-7. This volume of Topics in Current Chemistry presents recent developments in the area of hypervalent iodine chemistry, beginning with discussions of the fundamental aspects of structure and bonding and progressing to sophisticated applications in natural product synthesis. Each chapter is written by internationally renowned experts, who collectively present an authoritative and comprehensive overview of the rich and diverse chemistry of hypervalent iodine compounds. A brief historical perspective opens the book, and prior reviews on hypervalent iodine chemistry are presented in tabular form. In the next chapter, Ochiai provides an overview of hypervalent iodine chemistry, with attention to the structure and reactivity of λ3- and λ5-iodanes. Here, specific examples are used to highlight the fundamental patterns of reactivity displayed by hypervalent iodine reagents. With an elementary understanding of structure and reactivity in hand, the following chapter by Varvoglis focuses on methods for the preparation of
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hypervalent iodine compounds, categorized by structural class. This chapter should be especially helpful to those intending to prepare and utilize some of the more popular hypervalent iodine reagents. Application of hypervalent iodine reagents to the formation of carbon-carbon, carbon-heteroatom, and heteroatom-heteroatom bonds is discussed in the chapter by Zhdankin and in the two following chapters by Koser. Oxidations and rearrangements are covered in the penultimate chapter by Wirth. In the closing chapter, Tohma and Kita present examples of the use of hypervalent iodine reagents in the total synthesis of natural products. For each chapter, references are current and cover the most recent developments in the field. In summary, this volume presents a comprehensive and thoughtfully organized survey of hypervalent iodine chemistry. It is a must-read for any scientist with a focus on synthetic chemistry and deserves a place in research libraries and personal collections. Michael J. Krische, UniVersity of Texas at Austin JA033530E 10.1021/ja033530e
10.1021/ja033530e CCC: $25.00 © 2003 American Chemical Society
