The aim of this course is to: a) provide the conceptual framework of the enabling field of aromatic and heteroaromatic directed orthometalation (DoM) chemistry and place it into a practical perspective; b) connect DoM strategies with the blossoming area of transition metal catalysed cross coupling (Xcoupl) reactions (Suzuki-Miyaura, Negishi, Kumada-Corriu, Stille); c) survey other rapidly evolving synthetically promising catalytic processes (Heck, Ullmann, Sonogashira, Grubbs); d) contrast and compare the above processes with classical but still useful synthetic methods.