Dr. Reed M. Izatt, Charles E. Maw Professor of Chemistry (Emeritus), Brigham Young University, U.S.A. Reed M. Izatt received a BS degree in Chemistry from Utah State University (1951) and a PhD degree in Chemistry with an Earth Sciences minor from Pennsylvania State University (1954). After post-doctoral work at Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, he embarked on an academic career at Brigham Young University retiring as Charles E. Maw Professor of Chemistry (1993). He is the author or co-author of over 550 publications. Research relevant to the subject matter of this book includes extensive studies of the coordination chemistry of metals; determination of trace metal concentration levels in human tissues and environmental samples; and development of novel liquid membrane and solid phase extraction systems capable of highly selective metal separations using molecular recognition principles. The separations work was recognized by the American Chemical Society in 1996 when Reed received the National Separation Science and Technology Award. In 1988, he co-founded IBC Advanced Technologies, Inc. (IBC). For 25 years, IBC has brought clean chemistry, highly selective metal separations to a variety of industries worldwide, including ore beneficiation and precious metal recycling. Reed has edited several books, contributed numerous chapters in books, written many journal and review articles and presented plenary, invited, and regular lectures on the subject of selective metal separations at universities worldwide; regional, national, and international chemistry conferences; and government laboratories.