The purpose of this U.S.-Poland cooperative research project between Dr. Robert Moss of Rutgers University and Dr. Marek Wlostowski of the Technical University of Warsaw is to conduct basic research on the chemistry of reactive intermediates, specifically carbenes. The project builds on the complementary strengths of the two groups: the Rutgers group's expertise in direct observational kinetic studies of carbene reaction mechanisms, and the Polish group's work which has involved major recent innovations in synthesis of the diazirine precursors.