Heterocyclic chemistry is the largest of the classical divisions of organic chemistry. Heterocyclic compounds are widely distributed in Nature, playing a vital role in the metabolism of living cells. Their practical applications range from extensive clinical use to fields as diverse as agriculture, photography, biocide formulation and polymer science. The range of known compounds is enormous, encompassing the whole spectrum of physical, chemical and biological properties. This book provides a balanced, concise and informative account of heterocyclic chemistry that will be suitable for graduate or advanced undergraduate students and a convenient reference book for research workers, for both specialists int he field and those whose expertise lies in other areas but who nevertheless need information on heterocylic chemistry. The Handbook of Heterocyclic Chemistry is illustrated throughout with thousands of clearly drawn chemical structures. The highly systematic coverage given to the subject makes this the most authoritative one-volume account of modern heterocyclic chemistry available.