Table of contents

Methods of synthesising N,S-containing macroheterocycles and their complexes with cations, anions and organic molecules are discussed. Complexes of copper(II) ions with thiazamacrocyclic ligands as low molecular structural models of the active centres of "blue" proteins are considered. The possibility of transporting metal ions through membranes by thiaza-crown compounds and the application of their complexes in catalysis has been shown. Promising directions for using nitrogen- and sulphur-containing macroheterocycles in modelling enzymes are discussed. The bibliography includes 98 references.

New data on the chemistry of thiophenethiols have been reviewed systematically. Synthetic routes to these compounds, their reactions with nucleophiles and radicals, and a number of other properties have been examined. The bibliography includes 78 references.

Data on the methods of synthesis and chemical properties of (α-trihalomethyl)carbinols are correlated and systematised in the review. Features of the structure are considered and certain effects of the nature of the halogen on their reactivity and physicochemical properties are discussed. An important role has been shown for the (α-trihalomethyl)carbinols as intermediates and synthons. The bibliography includes 153 references.

This review is devoted to methods of replacing aromatic halogen by RS-groups. The essential mechanisms of these reactions have been examined, and the advantages and limitations of each method noted. The bibliography includes 124 references.

Results of attempts to effect the Arbuzov and retro-Arbuzov reactions with esters of arsinous acid and with oxides and sulphides of tertiary arsines have been correlated. The general rules and special features of these conversions are considered as well as the reactions accompanying them as a function of the environment of the arsenic atom, the nature of the electrophilic reagent and the reaction conditions. Recent and previously known results are considered from a common position. The bibliography includes 88 references.

A systematic review is presented on the reactions of elemental phosphorus with organic compounds in the presence of base, proceeding via polyphosphide and polyphosphinite anions. Particular attention has been paid to new effective methods of activating red phosphorus by superbase complexes, formed from alkali metal hydroxides and polar, non-hydroxylic solvents (HMPA, DMSO, DMF, triethylphosphine oxide), by the sodium/liquid ammonia system, or under phase transfer catalysis. The direct phosphorylation of organic halides, activated alkenes, acetylenes and oxiranes is also discussed. The bibliography includes 92 references.

A systemic survey is presented on methods of preparing N-containing spiroheterocycles in which a piperidine ring is spiro-condensed at the four position with various carbocycles and heterocycles. The biological properties of these compounds are also discussed. The bibliography contains 250 references.

The results of studies on the pyrolysis of methane in the temperature range 1000–1700 K, which is of greatest practical importance, are surveyed. The influence of heterogeneous factors, pressure, temperature, and the products formed in the process is examined. The composition of the products is analysed and the mechanism of the process is discussed. The bibliography includes 61 references.

Data on inorganic substances showing basic and anion-exchange properties have been reviewed. The structural dependence of the number and strength of the basic centres has been discussed. The bibliography includes 162 references.