The Wittig reactions - stereoselectivity and a history of mechanistic ideas (1953-1991), E. Vedeja and M.J. Peterson; formation and reactions of stereochemically homogeneous allylic metals, A. Yanagisawa and H. Yamamoto; recent advances in diastereoselective syntheses promoted by zinc and boron enolates, E. Taglievini et al; advances in photochemical generation and reactions of carbanions, D. Budac and R. Wan; benzyl and heteroarylmethyl carbanions - structure and substituent effects, S. Bradamante and G.A. Pagani.