Includes bibliographical references and index.

The disconnection approach -- Basic principles : synthons and reagents synthesis of aromatic compounds -- Strategy I : the order of events -- One-group C-X disconnections -- Strategy II : chemoselectivity -- Two-group C-X disconnections -- Strategy III : reversal of polarity, cyclisations, summary of strategy -- Amine synthesis -- Strategy IV : protecting groups -- One group C-C disconnections I : alcohols -- General strategy A : choosing a disconnection -- Strategy V : stereoselectivity A -- One group C-C disconnections II : carbonyl compounds -- Strategy VI : regioselectivity -- Alkene synthesis -- Strategy VII : use of acetylenes (alkines) -- Two-group C-C disconnections I : Diels-Alder reactions -- Strategy VIII : introduction to carbonyl condensations -- Two-group C-C disconnections II : 1,3-difunctionalised compounds -- Strategy IX : control in carbonyl condensations -- Two-group C-C disconnections : 1,5-difunctionalised compounds -- Strategy X : aliphatic nitro compounds in synthesis -- Two-group disconnections IV : 1,2-difunctionalised compounds -- Strategy XI : radical reactions in synthesis -- Two-group disconnection V : 1,4-difunctionalised compounds -- Strategy XII : reconnection -- Two-group C-C disconnections VI : 1,6-diCarbonyl compounds -- General strategy B : strategy of carbonyl disconnections -- Strategy XIII : introduction to ring synthesis : saturated heterocycles -- Three-membered rings -- Strategy XIV : rearrangements in synthesis -- Four-membered rings : photochemistry in synthesis -- Strategy XV : the use of ketenes in synthesis -- Five-membered rings -- Strategy XVI : pericyclic reactions in synthesis : special methods for five-membered rings -- Six-membered rings -- General strategy C : strategy of ring synthesis -- Strategy XVII : stereoselectivity B -- Aromatic heterocycles -- General strategy D : advanced strategy.