The complete handbook comprises four sets of volumes. This three-volume set (volumes 7, 8, and 9) is devoted to processes; other sets focus on catalysis, solvents, and products. The overall aim is to present and promote research pertaining to the vitally important subject of reducing or eliminating the use and generation of hazardous substances in chemical processes and products. Volume 7 addresses green synthesis, beginning with a chapter on atom economy--a challenge for enhanced synthetic efficiency and subsequent coverage of evaluating greenness, alternative feedstocks, green solvents, isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions, flow syntheses, biological synthesis of pharmaceuticals, synthesis without metals, and synthesis assisted by electricity, among other topics. The eighth volume is devoted to green nanoscience, with explanation of existing tools and approaches to the design of new multiphasic catalytic systems, including spontaneous phase separation to recover products, catalyst, and by-products. Volume 9, on designing safer chemicals, emphasizes minimization of potential hazards at the molecular level. Editor Paul T. Anastas (Yale University Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering) oversaw the work of volume editors Chao-Jun Li (McGill U., Canada)--v.7; Maurizio Selva and Alvise Perosa (U. of Venice, Italy)--v.8; and Robert Boethling (US Environmental Protection Agency) and Adelina Voutchdova (Yale U.)--v.9. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)