The symposium "Better Ceramics Through Chemistry IV" was held in San Francisco, California, from April 16-20, 1990. The proceedings cover a wide range of topics in materials science, focusing on the chemistry and processing of ceramics and related materials. Key areas discussed include reaction mechanisms and kinetics, precursor effects and aqueous chemistry, processing science, and the properties of films and fibers. Specific topics include sol-gel chemistry, molecular architecture, molecular structure of metal alkoxides, molecular routes to tin oxides, and the role of aggregation in particle growth. The symposium also explores the use of sol-gel technology in the preparation of thin films and fibers, as well as the application of these materials in various fields such as catalysis, optics, and electronics. Additionally, the symposium discusses novel processing techniques, superconductors, and the chemical processing of silicates for biological applications. The proceedings include invited papers and posters, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments in the field.The symposium "Better Ceramics Through Chemistry IV" was held in San Francisco, California, from April 16-20, 1990. The proceedings cover a wide range of topics in materials science, focusing on the chemistry and processing of ceramics and related materials. Key areas discussed include reaction mechanisms and kinetics, precursor effects and aqueous chemistry, processing science, and the properties of films and fibers. Specific topics include sol-gel chemistry, molecular architecture, molecular structure of metal alkoxides, molecular routes to tin oxides, and the role of aggregation in particle growth. The symposium also explores the use of sol-gel technology in the preparation of thin films and fibers, as well as the application of these materials in various fields such as catalysis, optics, and electronics. Additionally, the symposium discusses novel processing techniques, superconductors, and the chemical processing of silicates for biological applications. The proceedings include invited papers and posters, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments in the field.