Polymer Syntheses, Vol. 3, 2nd Edition. By Stanley R. Sandler

This is the latest volume in the Polymer Syntheses series which sets out to describe the most current methods of preparing olefin-sulfur dioxide copolymers, polythioesters, sulfide polymers, polyisocyanates, polyoxyalkylhydroxy compounds, polyvinylcarbazoles, polyvinyl acetates, polyally esters and polyvinyl fluorides. The final chapter on miscellaneous polymer preparations gives an overview of the preparation of organometallic/metal containing polymers, polymers based on fullerenes, optically active polymers and starbust dendrimers among others. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction on general properties covering areas such as reactivity, commercial use/availability and ease of preparation. The main thrust of the book is on providing experimental protocols for preparing a diverse range of mixed polymers and detailing their properties. The examples were chosen to cover a broad range of polymerisation conditions (free-radical, ionic, emulsion etc.). Comments on safety aspects relating to the monomers/polymers as well as potential experimental pitfalls were particularly useful. The material covered is well referenced, giving access to the patent literature as well as some current review articles. In general the book is well written, particularly the sections dealing with polyisocyanates (chapter 4), polyvinyl acetate (chapter 7), polyallyl esters (chapter 8) and polyvinyl fluorides (chapter 9) which have been covered in sufficient detail to provide a good introduction for someone who is unfamiliar in these areas.

The authors have targeted this book to academic and industrial chemists who require quick access to typical synthetic procedures for the various systems described. To this end they have succeeded.