The two basic building units carbon and hydrogen can be combined in a million different ways to give a plethora of fascinating organic compounds. Henning Hopf presents not only the most remarkable structures and properties of hydrocarbon compounds but shows in a clear presentation and with great didactic skill how molecules like dodecahedrane, superphane or annulenes challenge the synthetic skills of every organic chemist. To make the information more accessible, especially to the novice, the author carefully analyzes the synthetic problem, explains each synthetic step and gives hints on alternative methods and potential pitfalls. Numerous references to useful reviews and the original literature make this book an indispensable source of further information. Special emphasis is placed on the skillful use of graphics and schemes: Synthetic (retro)analyses, reaction sequences, and crucial steps are presented in blue boxed sections within the text. Graduate students and researchers alike will find this book a gold mine of useful information essential for their daily work. Every organic chemist will want to have a copy on his or her desk. With a foreword by W. von Eggers Doering.