1. A method of preparing a 7- 8- 9- or 10-substituted tetracycline compound combining a reactive tetracycline-based precursor compound and a reactive organic substituent precursor in the presence of a transition metal catalyst under conditions such that a tetracycline compound substituted with said organic substituent is formed. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said transition metal catalyst comprises an organopalladium catalyst. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said organopalladium catalyst com...