The last five years’ achievements in the synthesis and investigation of thermotropic ionic liquid crystals are reviewed. The present review describes the mesomorphic properties displayed by organic, as well as metal-containing ionic mesogens. In addition, a short overview on the ionic polymer and self-assembled liquid crystals is given. Potential and actual applications of ionic mesogens are also discussed.

Since its discovery in the early seventies the inter­molecular Pauson-Khand reaction has made considerable progress towards a powerful synthetic method. This account describes the major accomplishments with respect to reactivity, stereoselectivity and catalytic versions, which have been achieved over the last ­decade and summarizes mechanistic information being obtained by theoretical and experimental studies.