Organic Reaction Mechanisms 2006 is the 42nd volume in this classical series. Every year, an experienced team of authors compiles these reviews, so that the reader can rely on a continuing quality of selection and presentation. Detailed author and subject indexes help the reader to find the information they are looking for. As a new service to the reader, all reaction mechanisms leading to stereospecific products are highlighted. This reflects the interest of synthetic organic chemists in such reactions and the pharmaceutical role of chiral molecules.