The use of transition metals to accomplish strategic synthetic transformations is reviewed in this article. So as to be of the greatest value to the synthetic organic chemist, this review is organized on the basis of the type of transformation effected. 1. Functional Group Removal and Reduction 2. Insertion Reactions 3. Activation of Alkenes, Alkynes, and Allylic Systems to Addition 4. Other Methods of C-C-Bond Formation 5. Ring Forming Reactions 6. Isomerizations and Rearrangements 7. Functional Group Protection