This series presents critical reviews of the present position and future trends in modern chemical research. It is addressed to all research and industrial chemists who wish to keep abreast of advances in the topics covered. As a rule, contributions are specially commissioned. The editors and publishers will, however, always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Reviews are accepted for "Topics in Current Chemistry" in English. In references Topics in Current Chemistry is abbreviated Top.Curr.Chem. and is cited as a journal.