Since the appearance of the first volume in 1994, this series has established itself as a well-respected forum of immense importance to the researchers in academia and chemical industry. In line with its highly successful predecessors, this sixth volume once again brings together leading experts to provide a comprehensive and critical survey of the frontiers of current research -- vital for all experts working in the field. On more than 1,000 pages in two handy volumes, the first-hand, compact contributions allow for a quick overview, while the copious references ensure easy access to the original literature. The topics range from reactive intermediates to silicon based materials, and from silicon in organic/organometallic chemistry to a large diversity of industrial applications, all rounded off by a summary of the latest research results.