Preface

Abstract

The IUPAC Conferences on Physical Organic Chemistry are one of several series that arose from Union initiatives in the service of chemistry, and have since become established through regular biennial events on the international stage. Following an inaugural conference in 1972, the enduring topicality of physical organic chemistry in all its expressions has ensured that this series continues to prosper.In a return to Korea after an interval of 14 years since ICPOC-13 (Inchon), the 20th IUPAC Conference on Physical Organic Chemistry (ICPOC-20) was held in the Exhibition & Convention Center, Busan, Korea on 22-28 August 2010. An ambitious scientific program set out to demonstrate the rich diversity of current advances and challenges through the medium of 22 plenary lectures, including presentations by four Nobel laureates, and supported by an extensive program of invited and contributed works in the form of lectures and posters. The conference was well attended by local and international delegates.This collection offers Pure and Applied Chemistry readers a representative glimpse of the scientific program, with papers by six leading authorities on topics such as models for glycosyl transfer in water (I. H. Williams), ballistic conduction in single-molecule conductors (P. W. Fowler), superelectrophilic chemistry (J. Roithová), anion receptors in highly competitive solvents (J. Jurczak), nanotube design for water splitting catalysis (M. Prato), and enzymatic catalysis (J. P. Richard). These fine works contribute new insights into mechanism and reactivity, and will enrich the archival record ((http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/conferences/family/ICPOC/)) of a series that continues to nurture the rigorous underpinnings of the chemical sciences.The forthcoming 21st event in the ICPOC series will take place at Durham University, UK on 9-13 September 2012 under the Chairmanship of Prof. I. Williams (University of Bath, UK).James R. BullScientific Editor, Pure and Applied Chemistry