This new book provides coverage of both fundamentals and recent advances in the science and technology of the heaviest metals i.e. the actinide and transactinide elements, starting with actinium, up to the current end of the periodic table, element 118.Opening chapters of the book describe the history of the metals, their occurrence and issues of production. Subsequent chapters cover a broad range of chemical subjects including the question of covalent and multiple bonding in their compounds, variable oxidation states, and inorganic, coordination and organometallic compounds. Environmental concerns and remediation approaches are also examined. A major set of chapters describes current and emerging applications of the metals, including semi?] and superconducting materials, catalysis and research into solar cells. Uses of uranium and plutonium for power generation are also examined, including the potential role of reactors employing the thorium fuel cycle.In a single volume, this book is designed to inform the reader of the fundamental chemistry and properties of these metals, and of the challenges and opportunities associated with their present and emerging technological uses.All these articles will be published as part of the Encyclopedia of Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry