Template-controlled reactions allow the synthesis of complex molecules which would hardly be achievable through classical methods. This handbook offers authoratative information on how noncovalent and covalent templates can be effectively applied to control reaction rates as well as regio- and stereoselectivity. From the concepts of template control such as molecular imprinting, self-replication, and reversible tether-directed remote functionalization, the reader is led to template-based ring-closing reactions, oligomerizations, and multiple functionalizations and their application in the synthesis of supramolecular scaffolds and natural products.

The editors and authors (J. F. Stoddart, G. Wulf, D. Lynn, R. Breslow. F. Diederich, just to name a few ) , all internationally recognized experts in their area, succeeded in presenting the manifold aspects of template-controlled synthesis in a didactic way, making this methodology accessible to a broad readership of organic synthetic chemists. Well-selected, reliable key experimental protocols and an up-to-date reference list underline the practical approach of this valuable handbook. Being the first book of its kind, it will serve as a pacemaker and stimulate future research.