INTRODUCTION

Thirteen previous Florida Conferences held each March for the years 2000 through 2012 inclusive, brought together the academic and industrial communities with an abundance of heterocyclic and synthetic chemistry reflecting the current interest in the subject. The program holds particular interest for the industrial chemical community where pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and colorants usually contain at least one heterocyclic ring.

This, the 14^th Florida Heterocyclic and Synthetic Conference, continues in the tradition of its highly successful predecessors. Registration will start on Sunday, March 3^rd with a Welcome Reception. On Monday the 4^th through Wednesday the 6^th, the Conference will feature eleven plenary lectures given by academic and industrial experts from around the world together with invited lectures and three short courses on catalysis and heterocyclic chemistry. A poster session combined with a buffet supper will be held on the evening of Monday, March 4^th. A wine reception and conference banquet are scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, March 5^th. The conference closes with a farewell party on the evening of Wednesday, March 6^th.