A detailed understanding of reactive intermediates is at the heart of chemical transformations, and thus of modern organic synthetic chemistry. Carbocations are electron deficient species that are the most important intermediates in organic chemistry. This comprehensive review gives practical information on the synthesis, mechanisms, and spectral studies related to carbocation chemistry
* A detailed reference for all aspects of charbocation chemistry.
* With numerous classical examples of studies of carbocations to serve as illustrative principles in organic and physical organic chemistry.
* Provides insight into future developments in the field and practical applications.

GEORGE A. OLAH is the 1994 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. The Director of the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and Distinguished Loker Chair Professor at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles, Dr. Olah has published close to 1,300 papers, authored or coauthored more than twenty books and monographs, and holds more than 100 patents.

G. K. SURYA PRAKASH, the George A. and Judith A. Olah Nobel Laureate Chair Professor and Scientific Co-director of the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute at the University of Southern California, has published 480 papers, coauthored six books, and holds more than a dozen patents.