While the boundaries between the areas of chemistry traditionally labeled as inorganic, organic and physical are gradually diffusing, the practical techniques adopted by workers in each of these areas are often radically different. The breadth and variety of research classed as "inorganic chemistry" is readily apparent from an inspection of some of the leading international journals, and can be quite daunting for newcomers to this domain who are likely to have only limited experience of the methodologies involved. This book has therefore been written to provide guidance for those unfamiliar with the techniques most often encountered in synthetic inorganic / metalorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on procedures for handling air-sensitive compounds. One chapter is devoted to more specialized techniques such as metal vapor synthesis, and a review of preparative methods for a selection of starting materials is included as an aid to those planning research projects.

While this book is aimed primarily at postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students involved in inorganic research projects, synthetic organic chemists and industrial chemists will also find much useful information within its pages. Similarly, it serves as a useful reference source for materials and polymer scientists who wish to take advantage of recent progress in precursor synthesis and catalyst development.