NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 750
S-6EL24, 1994-08-17
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<PAGE>
                                                      40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                Washington, D.C.  20549

                                    FORM S-6

For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2.

A.  Exact Name of Trust:     NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 750

B.  Name of Depositor:       JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED

C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:

                             333 West Wacker Drive
                            Chicago, Illinois  60606

D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:

                         JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                            Attn:  James J. Wesolowski
                             333 West Wacker Drive
                            Chicago, Illinois  60606


                                CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                           Attn:  Daniel C. Bird, Jr.
                             111 West Monroe Street
                            Chicago, Illinois  60603

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

_____
_____  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

_____
_____  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of rule 485

_____
_____  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)

_____
_____  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule (485 or 486)

E.  Title and amount of securities being registered:  An indefinite number of
Units pursuant to Rule 24f-2 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

F.  Proposed maximum offering price to the public of the securities being
registered:  Indefinite

G.  Amount of filing fee:  $500 (as required by Rule 24f-2)

H.  Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:

                  As soon as practicable after the effective
                      date of the registration statement

- -----       Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
- -----       on (Date) at (Time) pursuant to Rule 487.


______________________________________________________________________________

    The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant 
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this 
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with 
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration 
Statement  shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting 
pursuant to said  Section 8(a) may determine.



<PAGE>
   
                                AUGUST 16, 1994
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 746
             August 16, 1994
    
INTEREST  INCOME TO THE  TRUSTS AND TO  UNITHOLDERS, IN THE  OPINION OF COUNSEL,
UNDER EXISTING LAW IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX. CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, ARE
SUBJECT TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE  OPINION
OF  COUNSEL,  EXEMPT,  TO THE  EXTENT  INDICATED,  FROM STATE  AND  LOCAL TAXES.
INTEREST INCOME OF ANY TRUST  OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST  MAY BE SUBJECT TO  STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
 
CURRENTLY  OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE--EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
 
   
THE NUVEEN  TAX-EXEMPT  UNIT  TRUST,  SERIES 746  consists  of  four  underlying
separate  unit investment trusts designated  as North Carolina Traditional Trust
279, New York Insured Trust 221, Ohio Insured Trust 117 and Pennsylvania Insured
Trust 185.  Each Trust  initially consists  of delivery  statements relating  to
contracts  to  purchase Bonds  and, thereafter,  will  consist of  a diversified
portfolio of obligations issued by or on behalf of states and territories of the
United States and authorities and political subdivisions thereof (see  SCHEDULES
OF INVESTMENTS), the interest on which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the
issuers,  exempt from  Federal income tax  under existing law.  In addition, the
interest on Bonds in each State Trust is, in the opinion of bond counsel to  the
issuers  of the obligations, exempt from such  State's income taxes, if any. All
obligations in each Traditional Trust are rated in the category "A" or better by
Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. on the Date  of
Deposit.  All  obligations in  each  Insured Trust  are  covered by  policies of
insurance obtained  from  the  Municipal Bond  Investors  Assurance  Corporation
guaranteeing  payment of principal  and interest when due.  All such policies of
insurance remain effective  so long  as the  obligations are  outstanding. As  a
result of such insurance, the Bonds in each portfolio of the Insured Trusts have
received  a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's  Investors Service, Inc. and the Bonds in
the Insured Trusts and the  Units of each such Trust  have received a rating  of
"AAA"  by Standard & Poor's Corporation. INSURANCE  RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN
THE INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT TO THE UNITS OFFERED HEREBY OR TO THEIR MARKET VALUE.
(See Section 5.)
    
 
THE OBJECTIVES of the Trusts are  tax-exempt income and conservation of  capital
through  a diversified  investment in tax-exempt  Bonds. (SEE SECTIONS  2, 3 AND
11.) The payment of interest and  the preservation of principal are, of  course,
dependent upon the continuing ability of the issuers of Bonds and of any insurer
thereof  to meet  their obligations thereunder.  There is no  guarantee that the
Trusts' objectives will be achieved. (SEE PAGE A-1.)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS of  interest received  by each  Trust will  be made  semi-annually
unless  the Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly. (SEE SECTION
13.) Distribution of funds in the Principal Account, if any, will ordinarily  be
made semi-annually.
 
FOR  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders in
each Trust on the  business day prior to  the Date of Deposit.  (SEE PAGE 3  AND
SECTION 9.)
 
THE  PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  per Unit of  each Trust during  the initial offering
period is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in  such
Trust's  portfolio plus  a sales charge  of up  to 4.90% of  the Public Offering
Price (equivalent to  5.152% of the  net amount invested);  the sales charge  is
somewhat  lower on Trusts  with lesser average maturities.  (SEE SECTION 6.) The
Secondary Market Public Offering Price per Unit for each Trust will be equal  to
a  pro rata share of the  sum of BID prices of the  Bonds in such Trust plus the
sales charges determined based on the number of years remaining to the  maturity
of  each  Bond. Accrued  interest from  the  preceding Record  Date to,  but not
including, the settlement date (normally  five business days after purchase)  is
added  to the Public Offering Price. The  sales charge is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales involving at least $50,000  or 500 Units and will be applied  on
whichever basis is more favorable to the purchaser. (SEE SECTION 6.)
 
A  UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee, United States Trust
Company of New York, at prices based upon the BID prices of the Bonds. The price
received  upon  redemption  may  be  more  or  less  than  the  amount  paid  by
Unitholders,  depending upon the  value of the  Bonds on the  date of tender for
redemption. (SEE  SECTION 19.)  The Sponsor,  although not  required to  do  so,
intends  to make a secondary market for the  Units of the Trusts at prices based
upon the BID  prices of the  Bonds in  the respective Trusts.  (SEE SECTION  7.)
RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL  RESERVE  BOARD  OR ANY  OTHER AGENCY
AND INVOLVE  INVESTMENT RISK,  INCLUDING  THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Index                                             Section         Page
<C>   <S>                                              <C>        <C>
      SPECIFIC TRUST MATTERS
      North Carolina Traditional Trust 279                    3         8-13
      New York Insured Trust 221                              3        14-27
      Ohio Insured Trust 117                                  3        28-35
      Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185                          3        36-44
      GENERAL MATTERS
      Accrued Interest                                        8         A-17
      Accumulation Plan                                      14         A-24
      Bonds, How Selected                                     3            7
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price         10         A-19
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                    4          A-7
      Bond Ratings                                            3         8-44
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-33
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     8-44,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-19
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            5
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-23
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   8-44, A-23
      Distribution of Units to the Public                    17         A-29
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts             --            4
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current
      Return                                                  9      3, A-18
      Evaluation                                             16         A-28
      Expenses to Fund                                       12         A-22
      Insurance on Bonds in the Insured Trusts                5         A-10
      Insurance on Certain Bonds in the Traditional
      Trusts                                                  5         A-12
      Interest Income to Trust                                3         8-44
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         8-44
      Legality of Units                                      24         A-37
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee       22        A-34
      Market for Units                                        7         A-16
      Minimum Transaction                                    17         A-29
      Objectives of the Trusts                                2            6
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-23
      Other Information                                      24         A-36
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                        18         A-30
      Public Offering Price of Units                          6         A-13
      Quantity Purchases                                      6         A-13
      Record Dates                                           13         A-23
      Ratings, Description of                                24         A-38
      Redemption of Units by Trustee                         19         A-31
      Reports to Unitholders                                 15         A-28
      Repurchase of Units by Sponsor                         20         A-33
      Risk Factors                                            3          A-1
      Sales Charge                                            6         A-13
      Sponsor, Information About                             23         A-35
      State Tax Status                                        3         8-44
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                        22         A-34
      Tax Status of Unitholders                              11         A-19
      Trustee, Information About                             22         A-34
      Trust Indenture, Amendment and Termination             24         A-36
      Unit Value                                             16         A-28
</TABLE>
 
                  2
<PAGE>
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
                                      AND
                    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS FOR THE TRUSTS
 
Following  are the  Estimated Long Term  and Estimated Current  Returns for each
Trust on the  business day  prior to  the Date  of Deposit,  under the  monthly,
quarterly and semi-annual plans of distribution (SEE SECTION 3):
 
                          Estimated Long Term Returns
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 279.....      5.69%         5.73%           5.74%
  New York Insured Trust 221...............      5.67%         5.71%           5.73%
  Ohio Insured Trust 117...................      5.63%         5.67%           5.68%
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185...........      5.73%         5.75%           5.77%
</TABLE>
 
                           Estimated Current Returns
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 279.....      5.59%         5.62%           5.64%
  New York Insured Trust 221...............      5.54%         5.57%           5.59%
  Ohio Insured Trust 117...................      5.62%         5.65%           5.67%
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185...........      5.60%         5.64%           5.66%
</TABLE>
 
    The  Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to
the investor earned  over the estimated  life of the  Trust. The Estimated  Long
Term  Return represents an  average of the  yields to maturity  (or call) of the
Bonds in  the Trust's  portfolio  calculated in  accordance with  accepted  bond
practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under accepted bond
practice,  tax-exempt bonds  are customarily  offered to  investors on  a "yield
price" basis, which involves computation of  yield to maturity or to an  earlier
call date (whichever produces the lower yield), and which takes into account not
only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization or accretion to
a  specified date of any premium over  or discount from the par (maturity) value
in the bond's  purchase price. In  calculating Estimated Long  Term Return,  the
average  yield for  the Trust's  portfolio is  derived by  weighting each Bond's
yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining to the
date to which the Bond is priced. Once the average portfolio yield is  computed,
this  figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of the
maximum sales  charge paid  by investors.  The Estimated  Long Term  Return  and
Estimated  Current Return calculations do not take  into account the effect of a
first distribution which may be less than a regular distribution or may be  paid
at  some point after 30 days (or a  second distribution which may be less than a
normal distribution for Unitholders who choose quarterly or semi-annual plans of
distribution), and it also does not  take into account the difference in  timing
of  payments  to  Unitholders  who  choose  quarterly  or  semi-annual  plans of
distribution, each of which will reduce the return.
 
    Estimated Current Return  is computed  by dividing the  Net Annual  Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion of discount, if any, on the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
 
    Net  Annual Interest  Income per Unit,  used to  calculate Estimated Current
Return, will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and  the
Evaluator  and with the redemption, maturity, exchange or sale of Bonds. A Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated  Current Returns or  the Estimated Long  Term Returns  quoted
herein will be realized in the future. Both the Estimated Current Return and the
Estimated  Long Term Return quoted  herein are based on  the market value of the
underlying Bonds on the  business day prior to  the Date of Deposit;  subsequent
calculations  of these performance measures will reflect the then current market
value of the underlying Bonds and may be higher or lower. For more  information,
see Section 9. The Sponsor will provide estimated cash flow information relating
to  a Trust without  charge to each  potential investor in  a Trust who receives
this prospectus and makes  an oral or  written request to  the Sponsor for  such
information.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
                 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS ON
                                AUGUST 15, 1994+
    
           Sponsor and Evaluator...... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
           Trustee........... United States Trust Company of New York
                  -------------------------------------------
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders   choosing
distributions  quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher returns
because of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE  SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      North Carolina         New York              Ohio            Pennsylvania
                                                        Traditional           Insured             Insured             Insured
                                                         Trust 279           Trust 221           Trust 117           Trust 185
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................          35,000              35,000              35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....        1/35,000            1/35,000            1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $    3,271,833      $    3,271,772      $    3,396,187      $    3,248,335
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $        93.48      $        93.48      $        97.03      $        92.81
    Plus Sales Charge*..............................  $         4.82      $         4.82      $         5.00      $         4.78
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        98.30      $        98.30      $       102.03      $        97.59
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $        93.01      $        93.02      $        96.53      $        92.33
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $        93.48      $        93.48      $        97.03      $        92.81
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $         5.29      $         5.28      $         5.50      $         5.26
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $         4.82      $         4.82      $         5.00      $         4.78
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest Income
  Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).......................  $       5.7173      $       5.6750      $       5.9584      $       5.6917
    Less Estimated Annual Expense...................  $        .2226      $        .2311      $        .2227      $        .2246
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).........  $       5.4947      $       5.4439      $       5.7357      $       5.4671
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit......................  $       .01526      $       .01512      $       .01593      $       .01518
Estimated Current Return(4).........................           5.59%               5.54%               5.62%               5.60%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).......................           5.69%               5.67%               5.63%               5.73%
BECAUSE CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE TRUSTS WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR A PURCHASE OF
UNITS  MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE  BONDS BETWEEN THE DATE OF DEPOSIT AND SUCH DELIVERY DATE WILL
BE TREATED AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH RETURN OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT  INCLUDED
IN  THE ANNUAL INTEREST INCOME SHOWN ABOVE.  FOR THE VARIOUS TRUSTS, THE FOLLOWING  SETS FORTH THE LATEST SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY
DATE, THE AMOUNT PER UNIT THAT WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN  OF PRINCIPAL TO UNITHOLDERS WHO PURCHASE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT,  AND
THE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT VARY FROM THAT SET
FORTH ABOVE (SEE SECTIONS 3 AND 12 AND THE "SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS"):
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  NEW YORK INSURED TRUST........   AUGUST 26, 1994    $           .01                     5.54        %
 
  PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST....   AUGUST 31, 1994    $           .02                     5.62        %
<FN>
- ----------
Evaluations  for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 * National and State, 5.152%;  Long Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%;  Short Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term,  2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(1)  Units are offered at the Public  Offering Price plus accrued interest from the  preceding Record Date to, but not including,
    the date of settlement (normally five business days after purchase).  The Date of Deposit of the Fund has been designated  as
    the  First Record  Date for all  plans of distribution  of the Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date of
    Deposit, the following amounts of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to the Public Offering Prices:  North
    Carolina  Traditional  Trust--$.11,  New  York  Insured  Trust--$.11,  Ohio  Insured  Trust--$.11  and  Pennsylvania  Insured
    Trust--$.11. (See Section 8.)
(2) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount  on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3)  The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in Section
    3.
(4) Estimated Long Term Return  for each Trust represents  the average of the yields  to maturity (or call)  of the Bonds in  the
    Trust's  portfolio calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices  and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges.
    Estimated Current Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price, and in
    contrast to Estimated Long Term  Return does not reflect the  amortization of premium or accretion  of discount, if any.  For
    more information see page 3 and Section 9.
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
Record Dates......................................................................See Section 13
Distribution Dates................................................................See Section 13
Minimum Principal Distribution....................................................$0.10 Per Unit
Date Trusts Established..........................................................August 16, 1994
Settlement Date..................................................................August 23, 1994
Mandatory Termination Date........................................................See Section 24
Minimum Value of Each Trust.......................................................See Section 24
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.......................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Trustee's Annual Fees:
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ------------------------------------------
                    TRUST                        MONTHLY       QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ----------     ----------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
  North Carolina Traditional Trust 279.....     $  1.5957      $  1.2757      $   1.0857
  New York Insured Trust 221...............        1.6798         1.3598          1.1698
  Ohio Insured Trust 117...................        1.5960         1.2760          1.0860
  Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185...........        1.6149         1.2949          1.1049
  ------------
  *  Each Trustee annual fee is  per $1,000 principal amount of  the underlying Bonds in a
    Trust for that portion of the Trust that represents a particular plan of distribution.
</TABLE>
 
                          ---------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 746
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 746?
    
 
   
Series 746 of the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust is one  of a series of  separate
but  similar  investment companies  created  by the  Sponsor,  each of  which is
designated by a different Series number. This Series consists of four underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts,  combined  under  one  trust  indenture  and
agreement,  designated North  Carolina Traditional  Trust 279,  New York Insured
Trust 221,  Ohio Insured  Trust  117 and  Pennsylvania  Insured Trust  185.  The
various  trusts are collectively referred to  herein as the "Trusts"; the trusts
in which few or none of the Bonds  are insured are sometimes referred to as  the
"Traditional  Trusts",  the trusts  in which  all  of the  Bonds are  insured as
described herein are  sometimes referred  to as  the "Insured  Trusts", and  the
state  trusts (both  Traditional and Insured)  are sometimes referred  to as the
"State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the State of New  York
pursuant  to  a  Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement  dated  August  16,  1994 (the
"Indenture") between John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated (the "Sponsor") and  United
States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee").
    
 
   
    The  Sponsor has deposited with the  Trustee delivery statements relating to
contracts for the  purchase of  municipal debt obligations  together with  funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in  the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or the
obligations themselves) in  the principal amount  of $14,000,000 (the  "Bonds"),
which initially constitute the underlying securities of the
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
Trusts.  Bonds  may  include  fixed rate  obligations  with  regularly scheduled
interest payments, zero coupon bonds  and stripped obligations, which  represent
evidences of ownership interests with respect to either a principal payment or a
payment  of interest  on a  tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations"). See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION" for a discussion of zero
coupon bonds  and Stripped  Obligations. The  following principal  amounts  were
deposited  in each  Trust: $3,500,000 in  the North  Carolina Traditional Trust,
$3,500,000 in the New York Insured  Trust, $3,500,000 in the Ohio Insured  Trust
and  $3,500,000  in  the  Pennsylvania  Insured  Trust.  Some  of  the  delivery
statements may relate to  contracts for the purchase  of "when issued" or  other
Bonds  with delivery dates after  the date of settlement  for a purchase made on
the Date of Deposit.  See the "Schedules  of Investments" and  Section 4. For  a
discussion  of  the Sponsor's  obligations  in the  event  of a  failure  of any
contract for  the  purchase  of any  of  the  Bonds and  its  limited  right  to
substitute other bonds to replace any failed contract, see Section 4.
    
 
    Payment  of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal at
maturity, is guaranteed under policies of  insurance obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the issuers of the Bonds. (See Section  5.) AS A GENERAL MATTER, NEITHER THE
ISSUER NOR THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE  WITH RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN  ANY
TRADITIONAL TRUST.
 
   
    The  Trustee has delivered to the  Sponsor registered Units for 35,000 Units
of the North Carolina  Traditional Trust, 35,000 Units  of the New York  Insured
Trust,  35,000  Units  of  the  Ohio  Insured  Trust  and  35,000  Units  of the
Pennsylvania Insured Trust,  which together  represent ownership  of the  entire
Series,  and which are offered for sale by this Prospectus. Each Unit of a Trust
represents a fractional undivided  interest in the principal  and net income  of
such  Trust in the  ratio of 10 Units  for each $1,000  principal value of Bonds
initially deposited in such Trust.
    
 
2.  WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?
 
The objectives of the Trusts are income  exempt from Federal income tax and,  in
the  case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles taxes,
and conservation of capital, through an  investment in obligations issued by  or
on  behalf of states  and territories of  the United States  and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof,  the interest  on which  is, in  the opinion  of
recognized  bond counsel  to the  issuing governmental  authorities, exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law. Bonds in any State Trust have been issued
primarily by  or on  behalf of  the  State for  which such  Trust is  named  and
counties,  municipalities, authorities  and political  subdivisions thereof, the
interest on which Bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from  Federal
and  certain state income tax and intangibles  taxes, if any, for purchasers who
qualify as residents of that  State. Insurance guaranteeing the timely  payment,
when  due, of all principal and interest on  the Bonds in each Insured Trust has
been obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds from Municipal Bond
Investors  Assurance  Corporation,  and  as  a  result  of  such  insurance  the
obligations  in the Insured Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. and "AAA" by Standard & Poor's Corporation. (SEE SECTION 5)All  obligations
in each Traditional Trust are rated in the category "A" or better (SP-1 or MIG 2
or  better  in the  case  of short  term obligations  included  in a  Short Term
Traditional Trust)  by  Standard  &  Poor's  Corporation  or  Moody's  Investors
Service,  Inc.  (including  provisional or  conditional  ratings).  In addition,
certain Bonds  in  certain  Traditional  Trusts  may  be  covered  by  insurance
guaranteeing  the timely payment, when due,  of all principal and interest. (SEE
SECTION 3.) The  portfolios of National  and State Trusts  consist of  long-term
(approximately    15   to   40   year    maturities)   obligations;   those   of
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
Long Intermediate Trusts consist of intermediate to long term (approximately  11
to  19 year  maturities) obligations;  those of  Intermediate Trusts  consist of
intermediate term (approximately 5 to 15 year maturities) obligations; those  of
Short Intermediate Trusts consist of short to intermediate term (approximately 3
to  7 year maturities)  obligations; and those  of Short Term  Trusts consist of
short term (approximately  1 to  5 year  maturities) obligations.  There is,  of
course,  no  guarantee  that the  Trusts'  objectives  will be  achieved.  For a
comparison of net  after-tax return for  various tax brackets  see the  "Taxable
Equivalent Estimated Current Return Tables" included in this Prospectus.
 
    Each  Trust consists  of fixed-rate  municipal debt  obligations. Because of
this an investment in a Trust should be made with an understanding of the  risks
which an investment in such debt obligations may entail, including the risk that
the  value of the debt obligations and  therefore of the Units will decline with
increases in  interest  rates. In  general,  the  longer the  period  until  the
maturity  of a  Bond, the more  sensitive its  value will be  to fluctuations in
interest rates. During the past decade, there have been substantial fluctuations
in interest  rates, and,  accordingly, in  the value  of debt  obligations.  The
Sponsor cannot predict whether such fluctuations will recur.
 
3.  SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
In  selecting  Bonds for  the respective  Trusts,  the following  factors, among
others, were considered:  (i) the Standard  & Poor's Corporation  rating of  the
Bonds  or the Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating of the Bonds (see Section 2
for a description  of minimum rating  standards), (ii) the  prices of the  Bonds
relative   to  other  bonds  of  comparable  quality  and  maturity,  (iii)  the
diversification of Bonds as to purpose of issue and location of issuer, (iv) the
maturity dates of the Bonds, and (v) in the case of the Insured Trusts only, the
availability of Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance on such
Bonds.
 
    In order for Bonds in the Insured  Trusts to be eligible for Municipal  Bond
Investors Assurance Corporation insurance, they must have credit characteristics
which,  in the opinion of the insurer,  would qualify them as "investment grade"
obligations. Insurance is not  a substitute for the  basic credit of an  issuer,
but  supplements the existing credit  and provides additional security therefor.
(SEE SECTION 5.)
 
    Certain bonds may carry a "mandatory put" (also referred to as a  "mandatory
tender"  or "mandatory repurchase") feature pursuant to which the holder of such
bonds will receive payment of the full principal amount thereof on a stated date
prior to the maturity date unless  such holder affirmatively acts to retain  the
bond.  Under the Indenture,  the Trustee does  not have the  authority to act to
retain Bonds with  such features; accordingly,  it will receive  payment of  the
full  principal amount of any such Bonds on the stated put date and such date is
therefore treated as the maturity date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for  the
respective  Trusts and for  purposes of calculating the  average maturity of the
Bonds in any Trust.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST 279
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio  of  North  Carolina  Traditional  Trust  279  consists  of 8
obligations issued by  entities located in  North Carolina. Eight  Bonds in  the
Trust  are payable as  to principal and  interest from the  income of a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy  taxes.
The  sources of  payment for  these Bonds  are divided  as follows:  College and
University Revenue,  2;  Electrical  System Revenue,  1;  Health  Care  Facility
Revenue,  3; Municipal  Lease Revenue, 1;  Water and/or Sewer  Revenue, 1. Eight
issues in the  Trust were  rated by Standard  & Poor's  Corporation as  follows:
4--AAA,  2--AA, 1--A, 1--A-. Six issues were rated by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. as follows: 4--Aaa, 1--Aa, 1--A.
    
   
    At the Date  of Deposit,  the average  maturity of  the Bonds  in the  North
Carolina Traditional Trust is 23.7 years. The average maturity of the Bonds in a
Trust  is calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust
(or, with respect to  Bonds for which  funds or securities  have been placed  in
escrow  to redeem such Bonds on a stated  call date, based upon such call date).
The average maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may increase or decrease from  time
to time as Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  14.0% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 13.1% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  22% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust are  obligations of  issuers  whose revenues  are primarily  derived  from
payments  to colleges  and universities, including  tuition, dormitory revenues,
grants and endorsements. Insurance guaranteeing  prompt payment of interest  and
principal  on certain of the Bonds in the  Trust has been obtained by the issuer
or underwriter of  such Bonds from  a commercial insurer.  Such Bonds are  rated
"Aaa" or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by Standard & Poor's, reflecting those
rating  agencies' current assessment of the  creditworthiness of the insurer and
its ability to pay claims on its policies of insurance. Fourteen percent of  the
aggregate  principal  amount of  the Bonds,  included in  the above  amount, are
obligations of issuers  whose revenues  are primarily derived  from payments  to
colleges  and universities,  including tuition,  dormitory revenues,  grants and
endorsements, but which are covered by such insurance.
 
    Approximately 35% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  are  obligations of  issuers whose  revenues  are primarily  derived from
hospitals or other health  care services. The source  of payment for certain  of
these  Bonds, accounting for 7% of the Trust (included in the above percentage),
is insured by  a commercial insurer.  Consequently, the credit  ratings of  such
Bonds  essentially  reflect  the strength  of  the insurance  or  guarantee and,
depending upon the actual structure of the bond issue, are typically rated "Aaa"
or "Aa" by Moody's or "AAA" or "AA" by Standard & Poor's.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August 10,
1994 and August 15, 1994. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Difference between Trustee's
                                                               Determination of Offering Price and
   Cost to    Profit (or loss)   Annual Interest   Bid Price              the Bid Price
   Sponsor       to Sponsor      Income to Trust    of Bonds       (as % of principal amount)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,259,992       $11,841           $200,106      $3,255,252                 .47%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the North Carolina Traditional Trust,  less estimated expenses, is estimated  to
accrue  at the rate  of $.01540 per Unit  per day under  the semi-annual plan of
distribution, $.01535 per Unit per day under the quarterly plan of  distribution
and  $.01526 per  Unit per  day under  the monthly  plan of  distribution. It is
anticipated that the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each  year
under  each plan  of distribution will  initially be substantially  equal to the
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details of interest distributions per Unit of the North Carolina Traditional
Trust under the various plans appear in the following table based upon estimated
Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Normal
                                                                                                      Distributions
North Carolina Traditional Trust                  1994                             1995                  per Year
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6867(1)                                                  $  5.4947
                                                          --------  $.4578 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6867(1)   $   .4605(2)   $  1.3815      $  1.3815        $  5.5267
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6867(1)   $   .4620(3)                  $  2.7720        $  5.5457
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May  1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1)  The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders,  regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn the amount of interest  to
be  distributed annually per Unit, will  generally change as Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
TAX STATUS--NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST
 
    For a  discussion  of the  Federal  tax status  of  income earned  on  North
Carolina Traditional Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The  assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations issued
by or on behalf of the State  of North Carolina, its political subdivisions  and
authorities  and, provided  the interest thereon  is exempt  from North Carolina
income taxes by the laws  or treaties of the United  States, by or on behalf  of
the United States territories or possessions (including
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Puerto  Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam  and the Northern Mariana Islands), their
political subdivisions and authorities (the "North Carolina Bonds").
 
    In the opinion of Moore & Van Allen, special North Carolina counsel for  the
Series, under existing law:
 
        The  North Carolina Traditional Trust is not an association taxable as a
    corporation for North Carolina  income tax purposes.  Interest on the  North
    Carolina  Bonds which is exempt from North Carolina income tax when received
    by the North Carolina Traditional Trust will retain its status as tax-exempt
    interest when distributed to Unitholders.
 
        For North  Carolina income  tax purposes,  each Unitholder  will have  a
    taxable  event when, upon redemption or sale  of his Units, he receives cash
    or other  property.  Gain  or  loss will  be  determined  by  computing  the
    difference  between  the  proceeds of  such  a  redemption or  sale  and the
    Unitholder's adjusted basis for the Units.
 
        For North  Carolina income  tax purposes,  each Unitholder  will have  a
    taxable  event when the North Carolina  Traditional Trust disposes of one of
    the North Carolina Bonds (whether  by sale, payment at maturity,  retirement
    or  otherwise); provided that when  any of the North  Carolina Bonds held by
    the North Carolina Traditional  Trust have been issued  under an act of  the
    General  Assembly of North Carolina that  provides that all income from such
    North Carolina Bond, including a profit made from the sale thereof, shall be
    free from  all taxation  by the  State of  North Carolina,  any such  profit
    received by the Trust will retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of each
    Unitholder.
 
        Ownership  of the Units  representing a pro rata  ownership of the North
    Carolina Bonds is exempt from the North Carolina tax on intangible  personal
    property  so long as the  corpus of the Trust  is composed entirely of North
    Carolina obligations or is  composed entirely of  obligations of the  United
    States  and its possessions  and North Carolina and  at least eighty percent
    (80%) of the fair market value of such obligations represents North Carolina
    obligations; provided that  for this  exemption to apply,  the Trustee  must
    periodically  provide  to  the  North Carolina  Department  of  Revenue such
    information about  the  North  Carolina Traditional  Trust  as  required  by
    applicable law.
 
        Interest  on indebtedness paid or accrued  by a Unitholder in connection
    with ownership of Units in the North Carolina Traditional Trust will not  be
    deductible by the Unitholder for North Carolina state income tax purposes.
 
        Amortization  of  North Carolina  Bond premiums  is mandatory  for North
    Carolina  state  income  tax  purposes  for  all  North  Carolina   resident
    Unitholders.  Amortization for the taxable  year is accomplished by lowering
    the basis or adjusted  basis of the Units,  with no deduction against  gross
    income for the year.
 
        Trust Units will be subject to North Carolina inheritance and estate tax
    if  owned by a North Carolina resident on the date of his death. Neither the
    North Carolina Bonds  nor the Units  will be subject  to the North  Carolina
    sales tax or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NORTH CAROLINA
 
    The  economic profile of North Carolina consists primarily of manufacturing,
agriculture,  tourism  and  mining.  The  North  Carolina  Employment   Security
Commission's   preliminary  figures   indicate  that   non-agricultural  payroll
employment accounted for  approximately 3,250,500  jobs in  September 1993,  the
largest  segment of which was the approximately 852,600 in manufacturing. During
the period  1985  to  1990,  per  capita income  in  North  Carolina  grew  from
approximately $11,669 to approximately $16,266, an increase of 39.4%.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    Agriculture  is  a basic  element in  the economy  of North  Carolina. Gross
agricultural income in 1992 was $5.2 billion, which placed North Carolina  tenth
in  cash receipts  in commodities.  A strong  agribusiness sector  also supports
farmers with farm inputs (fertilizer, insecticide, pesticide and farm machinery)
and processing  of  commodities  produced  by  farmers  (vegetable  canning  and
cigarette manufacturing).
 
    The  North Carolina Department of Commerce,  Division of Travel and Tourism,
has reported that in 1992 approximately $7.6 billion was spent on tourism in the
State (up 12.3% from 1989), and  that approximately $8.0 billion will have  been
spent  by the end of fiscal year 1993.  The Department also estimated that as of
the third  quarter  of  1993  approximately  255,000  people  were  employed  in
tourism-related jobs.
 
    The  North  Carolina  Employment  Security  Commission  estimated  the North
Carolina unemployment rate in September 1993 to be 3.7% of the labor force  (not
seasonably  adjusted)  and  4.2%  (seasonably  adjusted),  as  compared  with an
unemployment  rate  nationwide  of  6.4%  (not  seasonably  adjusted)  and  6.7%
(seasonably adjusted).
 
    General  obligations of  the State  are currently  rated "AAA"  and "Aaa" by
Standard & Poor's and Moody's, respectively. There can be no assurance that  the
economic conditions in which these ratings, or the ratings of the other bonds in
the Portfolio, are based will continue or that particular bond issues may not be
adversely   affected  by  changes  in   economic  or  political  conditions,  by
uncertainties peculiar to the issuers thereof or the revenue sources from  which
they  are to be  paid. The factual  information provided above  was derived from
publications of various North Carolina departments or agencies and has not  been
independently  verified.  Investors are  encouraged to  consult the  Schedule of
Investments at Date  of Deposit  for the  North Carolina  Traditional Trust  and
their  own investment advisors  regarding the merits of  particular bonds in the
Portfolio.
 
NORTH CAROLINA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal  Federal
tax  rates and marginal state tax rates  currently available and scheduled to be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers  that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993. For
cases in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket,  the
highest  state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined state
and Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments  are
currently  deductible for Federal  tax purposes. The  tables illustrate what you
would have to  earn on  taxable investments  to equal  the tax-exempt  estimated
current  return for your income  tax bracket. A taxpayer's  marginal tax rate is
affected by both his taxable income  and his adjusted gross income. Locate  your
adjusted  gross and  your taxable  income (which  is your  adjusted gross income
reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket based on
joint or single  tax filing.  Read across  to the  equivalent taxable  estimated
current return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%    6.25    6.50    6.75
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      21.0   %     6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91    8.23    8.54
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      33.0         7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07
                 111.8-167.7      34.0         7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85   10.23
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 111.8-167.7      37.0         7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71
                 167.7-290.2      39.5         8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74   11.16
   140.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      42.0         8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
                 167.7-290.2      44.5         9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16
                  Over 290.2      42.0   2     8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      48.0         9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50   12.98
                  Over 290.2      45.5   3     9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%    6.25    6.50    6.75
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      21.0   %     6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91    8.23    8.54
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      33.0         7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07
    55.1-115.0       0-111.8      36.5         7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63
                 111.8-234.3      38.0         8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      42.5         8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30   11.74
                  Over 234.3      42.0   2     8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21   11.64
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      45.5   3     9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93   12.39
<FN>
- ------------------
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on  itemized deductions and the deduction for personal exemptions. They
were designed to phase out certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect,  raise
the  current maximum marginal Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 percent for  taxpayers filing a single return  entitled to only one  personal
exemption.  These limitations are  subject to certain maximums,  which depend on  the number of exemptions  claimed and the total
amount of the taxpayer's itemized  deductions. For example, the  limitation on itemized deductions will  not cause a taxpayer  to
lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
      2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials  compare the then  current estimated returns  on
the Trust and returns over specified periods on other similar Nuveen Trusts with
returns  on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank
CD's and  money  market  accounts or  money  market  funds, each  of  which  has
investment  characteristics  that  may  differ from  those  of  the  Trust. U.S.
Government bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of  the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of  the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds provide
stability of principal, but pay interest  at rates that vary with the  condition
of  the short-term debt market. The  investment characteristics of the Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
Schedule of Investments at Date of Deposit
August 16, 1994
NORTH CAROLINA TRADITIONAL TRUST 279
(Series 746)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      North Carolina Medical Care Commission,             2002 at 102         A-         --      $       503,620
                   Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds (Mercy
                   Hospital Project), Series 1992, 6.50% Due
                   8/1/15.
    500,000      North Carolina Medical Care Commission,             2003 at 102         AA         Aa              451,975
                   Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds
                   (Presbyterian Health Services Corp.,
                   Project), Series 1993, 5.50% Due 10/1/20.
    235,000      North Carolina Medical Care Commission,             2004 at 102         AA         --              213,549
                   Hospital Revenue Bonds (Scotland Memorial
                   Hospital Project), Series 1993, 5.375% Due
                   10/1/11. (ASSET GUARANTEED.)
    500,000      North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1,     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             493,880
                   Catawba Electric Revenue Bonds, Series 1992,
                   6.20% Due 1/1/18. (FSA Insured.)
    500,000      Appalachian State University Housing and            2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             472,800
                   Student Center System Revenue and Refunding
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1993 of The Board of
                   Governors of the University of North
                   Carolina, 5.625% Due 7/15/14. (MBIA Insured.)
    500,000      Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             456,880
                   County (North Carolina), Sewerage System
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993A, 5.50%
                   Due 7/1/22. (FGIC Insured.)
    490,000      City of Charlotte, North Carolina, Refunding        2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             429,946
                   Certificates of Participation (Convention
                   Facility Project), Series 1993C, 5.25% Due
                   12/1/20. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about August 25, 1993 at a
                   price of 93.801% of principal amount.)(AMBAC
                   Insured.)
    275,000      East Carolina University (North Carolina),          2003 at 102         A           A              249,183
                   Student Services System Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1993 of the Board of Governors of the
                   University of North Carolina, 5.50% Due
                   5/1/19.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,271,833
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 45.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 221
    
   
    The Portfolio of New York Insured Trust 221 consists of 7 obligations issued
by  entities located in New York. Two Bonds in the Trust are general obligations
of the governmental entities  issuing them and are  backed by the taxing  powers
thereof.  Five Bonds in the Trust are  payable as to principal and interest from
the income of  a specific  project or  authority and  are not  supported by  the
issuer's power to levy taxes. The sources of payment for these Bonds are divided
as follows: Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue, 1; Bridge and Toll Road Revenue, 1;
College  and University  Revenue, 1;  Transportation Facility  Revenue, 1; Water
and/or Sewer Revenue, 1. All  of the Bonds in the  Trust, as insured, are  rated
AAA by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of the  Bonds in the New York
Insured Trust is 24.4  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect  to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  42.1% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 40.9% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds on August 15,  1994.
The  following summarizes certain information about the Bonds as of the business
day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Difference between Trustee's
                                                               Determination of Offering Price and
   Cost to    Profit (or loss)   Annual Interest   Bid Price              the Bid Price
   Sponsor       to Sponsor      Income to Trust    of Bonds       (as % of principal amount)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,256,646       $15,126           $198,813      $3,255,522                 .46%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the New York Insured Trust, less  estimated expenses, is estimated to accrue  at
the rate of $.01526 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01521  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01512
per Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated  that
the  amount of interest to be distributed per  Unit in each year under each plan
of distribution  will initially  be  substantially equal  to the  Estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details  of interest  distributions per Unit  of the New  York Insured Trust
under the various plans appear in  the following table based upon estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Normal
                                                                                                      Distributions
New York Insured Trust                            1994                             1995                  per Year
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6808(1)                                                  $  5.4493
                                                          --------  $.4539 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6808(1)   $   .4566(2)   $  1.3698      $  1.3698        $  5.4813
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6808(1)   $   .4581(3)                  $  2.7486        $  5.5003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution  may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2)  The  second distribution  under the  quarterly distribution  plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution  under the semi-annual  distribution plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent  semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The  accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn the amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will  generally change as Bonds are  redeemed,
mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
TAX STATUS--NEW YORK INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion  of the Federal  tax status  of income earned  on New York
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In the opinion of Edwards & Angell,  special counsel for the Series for  New
York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Interest   on  obligations  issued  by   New  York  State,  a  political
    subdivision thereof, Puerto  Rico, the  Virgin Islands,  Guam, the  Northern
    Mariana  Islands,  or  other possessions  of  the United  States  within the
    meaning of Section 103(c) of the  Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as  amended
    ("New  York Obligations"), which would be exempt  from New York State or New
    York City personal  income tax if  directly received by  a Unitholder,  will
    retain  its  status as  tax-exempt interest  when received  by the  New York
    Insured Trust (the "Trust") and distributed to such Unitholder.
 
        Interest (less amortizable premium, if any) derived from the Trust by  a
    resident  of New  York State  (or New York  City) in  respect of obligations
    issued by states other than New York (or their political subdivisions)  will
    be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax.
 
        A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City) will
    be  subject to New  York State (or  New York City)  personal income tax with
    respect to gains  realized when New  York Obligations held  in the New  York
    Insured   Trust  are  sold,  redeemed  or  paid  at  maturity  or  when  the
    Unitholder's Units are sold or redeemed;  such gain will equal the  proceeds
    of sale, redemption or payment less the tax basis of the New York Obligation
    or Unit (adjusted to reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount, if
    any,  on New York Obligations held by  the Trust, (b) accrued original issue
    discount, with respect to  each New York Obligation  which, at the time  the
    New  York Obligation  was issued, had  original issue discount,  and (c) the
    deposit of New York Obligations with accrued interest in the Trust after the
    Unitholder's settlement date).
 
        Interest or gain from  the Trust derived  by a Unitholder  who is not  a
    resident  of New York  State (or New York  City) will not  be subject to New
    York State (or  New York  City) personal income  tax, unless  the Units  are
    property  employed in a business, trade, profession or occupation carried on
    in New York State (or New York City).
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
        In the case  of the  Trust, amounts  paid under  the insurance  policies
    representing maturing interest on defaulted New York Obligations held by the
    Trustee  in the Trust  will be excludable  from New York  State and New York
    City income if, and  to the same  extent as, such  interest would have  been
    excludable if paid by the respective issuer.
 
        For  purposes of the New  York State and New  York City franchise tax on
    corporations, Unitholders which are subject to such tax will be required  to
    include in their entire net income any interest or gains distributed to them
    even   though  distributed  in  respect  of  obligations  of  any  state  or
    subdivision thereof including New York.
 
        If borrowed funds are used to purchase Units in the Trust, all (or part)
    of the interest  on such indebtedness  will not be  deductible for New  York
    State  and  New  York  City  tax purposes.  The  purchase  of  Units  may be
    considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds  are
    not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in any New York Trust.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NEW YORK
 
    The  Portfolio of the New York  Insured Trust includes obligations issued by
New York State  (the "State"), by  its various public  bodies (the  "Agencies"),
and/or  by other entities  located within the  State, including the  City of New
York (the "City").
 
    Some of the more significant events and conditions relating to the financial
situation in New York are summarized  below. This section provides only a  brief
summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in New York and
is  derived  from  sources that  are  generally  available to  investors  and is
believed to  be  accurate.  It is  based  in  part on  Official  Statements  and
prospectuses issued by, and on other information reported by the State, the City
and the Agencies in connection with the issuance of their respective securities.
 
    There  can  be no  assurance that  current or  future statewide  or regional
economic difficulties, and  the resulting  impact on State  or local  government
finances  generally,  will not  adversely affect  the market  value of  New York
Municipal Obligations  held in  the portfolio  of the  Trust or  the ability  of
particular  obligors to make timely payments of debt service on (or relating to)
those obligations.
 
    (1) THE STATE: The State has historically been one of the wealthiest  states
in  the nation. For  decades, however, the  State economy has  grown more slowly
than that  of the  nation as  a whole,  gradually eroding  the State's  relative
economic  affluence.  Statewide,  urban  centers  have  experienced  significant
changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an influx of
generally less affluent residents. Regionally,  the older Northeast cities  have
suffered because of the relative success that the South and the West have had in
attracting  people  and  business.  The  City  has  also  had  to  face  greater
competition  as  other  major  cities  have  developed  financial  and  business
capabilities  which  make  them  less  dependent  on  the  specialized  services
traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
 
    The State has  for many years  had a very  high state and  local tax  burden
relative to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination
with  the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed to
the decisions of  some businesses and  individuals to relocate  outside, or  not
locate within, the State.
 
    SLOWDOWN  OF REGIONAL ECONOMY.  A national recession  commenced in mid-1990.
The downturn  continued  throughout the  State's  1990-91 fiscal  year  and  was
followed  by a period of weak economic growth during the 1991 calendar year. For
calendar year 1992,  the national economy  continued to recover,  although at  a
rate  below all  post-war recoveries. For  calendar year 1993,  the economy grew
faster than in 1992,  but still at  a very moderate rate,  as compared to  other
recoveries.    Moderate   economic   growth   is   expected   to   continue   in
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
calendar year 1994  at a slightly  faster rate than  in 1993. Economic  recovery
started  considerably later in  the State than in  the nation as  a whole due in
part to  the significant  retrenchment  in the  banking and  financial  services
industries,  downsizing  by  several  major  corporations,  cutbacks  in defense
spending, and an  oversupply of  office buildings. Many  uncertainties exist  in
forecasts of both the national and State economies and there can be no assurance
that  the State economy will  perform at a level  sufficient to meet the State's
projections of receipts and disbursements.
 
    1994-95 FISCAL YEAR. The Governor presented the recommended Executive Budget
for the 1994-95 fiscal year on January  18, 1994 and amended it on February  17,
1994.  the Recommended 1994-95 State Financial  Plan projects a balanced General
Fund, receipts and transfers  from other funds at  $33.422 billion (including  a
projected  $339 million surplus anticipated for the State's 1993-94 fiscal year)
and disbursements and transfers to other funds at $33.399 billion.
 
    The recommended 1994-95  Executive Budget  includes tax  and fee  reductions
($210  million), retention of revenues currently received, primarily by deferral
of a  scheduled  personal  income  tax  rate  reduction  ($1.244  billion),  and
additional  increases to miscellaneous revenue  sources ($237 million). No major
additional programs are recommended other than a $198 million increase in school
aid, $185 million in Medicaid  cost-containment initiatives and $110 million  in
local government Medicaid costs to be assumed by the State.
 
    There  can  be  no  assurance  that the  State  Legislature  will  enact the
Executive  Budget  as  proposed,  nor  can  there  be  any  assurance  that  the
Legislature will enact a budget for the State's 1994-95 fiscal year prior to its
commencement.  A delay in  its enactment may  negatively affect certain proposed
actions and reduce projected savings.
 
    1993-94 FISCAL YEAR. The  1993-94 State Financial Plan  issued on April  16,
1993  projected General Fund receipts and  transfers from other funds at $32.367
billion and disbursements and  transfers to other funds  at $32.300 billion.  In
comparison to the Governor's recommended Executive Budget for the 1993-94 fiscal
year,  as  revised  on  February  18, 1993,  the  1993-94  State  Financial Plan
reflected increases in both  receipts and disbursements in  the General Fund  of
$811 million.
 
    The  1993-94 State Financial Plan was last  revised on January 18, 1994. The
State projects a surplus  of $299 million, as  the result of developments  which
positively  impacted upon receipts  and disbursements. In  the revised Plan, the
State announced its intention to pay  a 53rd weekly Medicaid payment,  estimated
at $120 million, and to add $82 million to a reserve fund for contingencies.
 
    On  January 21, 1994, the State entered into a settlement with Delaware with
respect to STATE OF DELAWARE V. STATE  OF NEW YORK, which is discussed below  at
STATE  LITIGATION. The State made an immediate $35 million payment and agreed to
make a $33 million  annual payment in  each of the next  five fiscal years.  The
State  has not settled with other parties to the litigation and will continue to
incur litigation expenses as to those claims.
 
    On November  16, 1993,  the Court  of Appeals,  the State's  highest  court,
affirmed  the  decision  of  a  lower court  in  three  actions,  which declared
unconstitutional State actuarial funding methods for determining State and local
contributions to the State employee  retirement system. Following the  decision,
the  State Comptroller  developed a  plan to  phase in  a constitutional funding
method and to restore prior funding levels of the retirement systems over a four
year period. The plan is  not expected to require  the State to make  additional
contributions  with respect  to the  1993-94 fiscal  year nor  to materially and
adversely affect the State's financial condition thereafter. Through fiscal year
1998-99, the State  expects to contribute  $643 million more  to the  retirement
plans than would have been required under the prior funding method.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    FUTURE  FISCAL YEARS. There can be no assurance that the State will not face
substantial potential budget  gaps in  the future resulting  from a  significant
disparity  between tax revenues  projected from a  lower recurring receipts base
and the  spending required  to maintain  State programs  at current  levels.  To
address   any  potential  budgetary  imbalance,  the  State  may  need  to  take
significant actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements.
 
    INDEBTEDNESS. As of December 31, 1993,  the total amount of long-term  State
general obligation debt authorized but unissued stood at $2.3 billion. As of the
same  date, the State had approximately $5.0 billion in general obligation bonds
and $2.94 million  of Bond Anticipation  Notes ("BANS"). The  State issued  $850
million  in tax and revenue anticipation notes  ("TRANS") on May 4, all of which
matured on December 31, 1993. The State does not project the need to issue TRANS
during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    The State anticipates that  its borrowings for  capital purposes during  the
State's  1994-95 fiscal year will consist  of $413 million in general obligation
bonds and BANS.  The projection of  the State regarding  its borrowings for  the
1994-95  fiscal  year  may  change  if  actual  receipts  fall  short  of  State
projections or if other circumstances require.
 
    In  June  1990,  legislation  was  enacted  creating  the  "New  York  Local
Government  Assistance  Corporation"  ("LGAC"),  a  public  benefit  corporation
empowered to  issue long-term  obligations  to fund  certain payments  to  local
governments  traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal borrowing.
As of February 28, 1994,  LGAC has issued its bonds  to provide net proceeds  of
$3.7  billion. The Governor has recommended  the issuance of additional bonds to
provide net proceeds of $315 million during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    The Legislature  passed  a  proposed constitutional  amendment  which  would
permit  the State subject to certain restrictions to issue revenue bonds without
voter referendum. Among the restrictions proposed  is that such bonds would  not
be  backed by the  full faith and credit  of the State.  The Governor intends to
submit changes to the proposed  amendment, which before becoming effective  must
be passed again by the next separately-elected Legislature and approved by voter
referendum  at a  general election.  The earliest  such an  amendment could take
effect would be in November 1995.
 
    RATINGS.  The $850 million in TRANS  issued by the State in April 1993  were
rated  SP-1-Plus by  S&P on April  26, 1993, and  MIG-1 by Moody's  on April 23,
1993, which represents the highest ratings given by such agencies and the  first
time  the State's  TRANS have  received these ratings  since its  May 1989 TRANS
issuance. Both  agencies  cited  the  State's  improved  fiscal  position  as  a
significant factor in the upgrading of the April 1993 TRANS.
 
    Moody's  rating of the State's general obligation  bonds stood at A on April
23, 1993, and S&P's rating stood at A- with a stable outlook on April 26,  1993,
an  improvement from  S&P's negative  outlook prior  to April  1993. Previously,
Moody's lowered its rating to A on June 6, 1990, its rating having been A1 since
May 27, 1986. S&P  lowered its rating from  A to A- on  January 13, 1992.  S&P's
previous ratings were A from March 1990 to January 1992, AA- from August 1987 to
March 1990 and A+ from November 1982 to August 1987.
 
    Moody's  maintained  its  A  rating  and  S&P  continued  its  A-  rating in
connection with the State's issuance of $224.1 million of its general obligation
bonds in March 1994.
 
    (2) THE  CITY AND  THE MUNICIPAL  ASSISTANCE CORPORATION  ("MAC"): The  City
accounts  for approximately 41%  of the State's  population and personal income,
and the City's financial health affects the State in numerous ways.
 
    In response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took a number  of
steps  to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among other actions,
the State Legislature (i) created MAC to assist with long-term financing for the
City's short-term debt and  other cash requirements and  (ii) created the  State
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board") to review
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
and approve the City's budgets and City four-year financial plans (the financial
plans   also  apply  to  certain  City-related  public  agencies  (the  "Covered
Organizations")).
 
    Over the past  three years,  the rate  of economic  growth in  the City  has
slowed  substantially, and  the City's  economy is  currently in  recession. The
Mayor  is  responsible  for  preparing  the  City's  four-year  financial  plan,
including  the City's  current financial plan.  The City  Comptroller has issued
reports concluding that the recession of the City's economy will be more  severe
and last longer than is assumed in the financial plan.
 
    FISCAL  YEAR 1993 AND 1994-1997 FINANCIAL PLAN.  The City's 1993 fiscal year
results are  projected to  be  balanced in  accordance with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  ("GAAP"). The  City  was required  to  close substantial
budget gaps  in its  1990,  1991 and  1992 fiscal  years  in order  to  maintain
balanced operating results.
 
    On  August 10, 1993, the City adopted and submitted to the Control Board its
Financial Plan for fiscal  years 1994-1997, which  was subsequently modified  on
November  23, 1993. As modified  in November 1993, the  Plan projects a balanced
budget for fiscal year 1994 based upon revenues of $31.585 billion, and projects
budget gaps of $1.7 billion, $2.5 billion and $2.7 billion in fiscal years  1995
through 1997, respectively.
 
    During  December  1993, a  three-member panel  appointed  by the  Mayor, the
Office of  the State  Deputy  Comptroller and  the  Control Board,  each  issued
reports  that were critical  of the City's 1994-1996  Financial Plan. While each
report noted  improvement in  the  outlook for  fiscal  year 1994,  the  reports
indicated  that the  budget gap for  fiscal year 1995  could be as  much as $450
million higher than projected and that the budget gap might continue to increase
in later years to as  much as $1.5 billion  above current projections by  fiscal
year 1997. Recommendations included addressing the City's tax and cost structure
to maximize revenues on a recurring basis and minimize expenditures, a review of
capital   spending  plans,   service  cuts,  productivity   gains  and  economic
development measures.
 
    On February  2,  1994,  the  Mayor proposed  further  modifications  to  the
1994-1997  Financial Plan. The Mayor's proposed  Plan projects a balanced budget
for fiscal  year 1994,  assuming revenues  of $31.735  billion, and  includes  a
reserve  of $198  million. The  proposed modification  projects budget  gaps for
fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997 of $2.3 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.3 billion,
respectively. The  Mayor identified  $2.2 billion  in gap  closing measures  for
fiscal  year 1995. Implementation of these measures will require the cooperation
of  municipal  labor  unions,  the  City  Council  and  the  State  and  Federal
governments.  The Mayor's proposal  includes a tax  reduction program which will
have a financial impact on later years.
 
    Given the foregoing factors,  there can be no  assurance that the City  will
continue  to maintain  a balanced  budget, or  that it  can maintain  a balanced
budget without additional tax or other  revenue increases or reductions in  City
services, which could adversely affect the City's economic base.
 
    Pursuant  to State law, the City prepares a four-year annual financial plan,
which is reviewed and revised on a quarterly basis and which includes the City's
capital, revenue and  expense projections. The  City is required  to submit  its
financial  plans to review bodies, including the Control Board. If the City were
to experience certain adverse financial circumstances, including the  occurrence
or  the  substantial likelihood  and imminence  of the  occurrence of  an annual
operating deficit of more than $100 million or the loss of access to the  public
credit   markets  to   satisfy  the   City's  capital   and  seasonal  financial
requirements, the  Control Board  would be  required by  State law  to  exercise
certain  powers,  including prior  approval  of City  financial  plans, proposed
borrowings and certain contracts.
 
    The City depends  on the  State for  State aid both  to enable  the City  to
balance  its budget and to meet its  cash requirements. If the State experiences
revenue shortfalls or spending
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
increases beyond  its projections  during  its 1993  fiscal year  or  subsequent
years,  such developments could  result in reductions in  projected State aid to
the City. In addition, there  can be no assurance  that State budgets in  future
fiscal  years will be adopted  by the April 1  statutory deadline and that there
will not  be  adverse  effects on  the  City's  cash flow  and  additional  City
expenditures as a result of such delays.
 
    The  City projections set forth  in its financial plan  are based on various
assumptions and contingencies which are uncertain and which may not materialize.
Changes in major assumptions  could significantly affect  the City's ability  to
balance its budget as required by State law and to meet its annual cash flow and
financing requirements. Such assumptions and contingencies include the timing of
any  regional  and local  economic recovery,  the absence  of wage  increases in
excess of  the  increases assumed  in  its financial  plan,  employment  growth,
provision  of  State  and  Federal aid  and  mandate  relief,  State legislative
approval of future  State budgets, levels  of education expenditures  as may  be
required  by State  law, adoption of  future City  budgets by the  New York City
Council, and  approval  by  the  Governor  or  the  State  Legislature  and  the
cooperation  of  MAC with  respect  to various  other  actions proposed  in such
financial plan.
 
    The City's ability to maintain a  balanced operating budget is dependant  on
whether  it  can implement  necessary service  and personnel  reduction programs
successfully. As discussed above, the City must identify additional  expenditure
reductions  and revenue sources to achieve balanced operating budgets for fiscal
years 1994  and thereafter.  Any such  proposed expenditure  reductions will  be
difficult  to implement  because of their  size and  the substantial expenditure
reductions already imposed on City operations in the past two years.
 
    Attaining a balanced  budget is also  dependent upon the  City's ability  to
market  its securities  successfully in  the public  credit markets.  The City's
financing program  for  fiscal  years 1994  through  1997  contemplates  capital
spending  of $16.2  billion, which  will be  financed through  issuance of $10.5
billion of general  obligation bonds,  $4.3 billion of  Water Authority  Revenue
Bonds  and the balance by Covered Organization obligations, and will be utilized
primarily to reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets and  to make  capital investments.  A significant  portion of  such  bond
financing  is used to reimburse the City's general fund for capital expenditures
already incurred.  In addition,  the City  issues revenue  and tax  anticipation
notes  to  finance  its seasonal  working  capital requirements.  The  terms and
success of projected  public sales of  City general obligation  bonds and  notes
will  be subject to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale, and no
assurance can be given that the credit markets will absorb the projected amounts
of public bond and note sales.  In addition, future developments concerning  the
City  and public  discussion of such  developments, the  City's future financial
needs and  other issues  may  affect the  market  for outstanding  City  general
obligation  bonds  and  notes. If  the  City  were unable  to  sell  its general
obligation bonds  and notes,  it would  be prevented  from meeting  its  planned
operating and capital expenditures.
 
    FISCAL  YEARS 1990,  1991 AND  1992.   The City  achieved balanced operating
results as reported in accordance with GAAP for the 1992 fiscal year. During the
1990 and 1991  fiscal years, the  City implemented various  actions to offset  a
projected  budget  deficit  of $3.2  billion  for  the 1991  fiscal  year, which
resulted from declines in City  revenue sources and increased public  assistance
needs  due to the recession. Such actions included $822 million of tax increases
and substantial expenditure reductions.
 
    The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits. Such litigation
includes, but is not limited to,  actions commenced and claims asserted  against
the  City arising out  of alleged constitutional  violations, torts, breaches of
contracts, and other violations of  law and condemnation proceedings. While  the
ultimate outcome and fiscal impact, if any, on the
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
proceedings  and claims are not currently predictable, adverse determinations in
certain of them might have a material adverse effect upon the City's ability  to
carry  out its financial  plan. As of June  30, 1992, legal  claims in excess of
$341 billion were outstanding against the City for which the City estimated  its
potential future liability to be $2.3 billion.
 
    RATINGS.   As of the  date of this prospectus,  Moody's rating of the City's
general obligation bonds stood at Baa1 and S&P's rating stood at A-. On February
11, 1991, Moody's had lowered its rating from A.
 
    On December 6, 1993, in confirming its Baa1 rating, Moody's noted that:
 
        The fiscal 1994 budget is  nominally balanced, in part through  reliance
    on  one-shot revenues, but contains a number  of risks . . . (T)he financial
    plan . . . shows increased gaps in succeeding years.
 
        The financial plan for fiscal 1995 and beyond shows an ongoing imbalance
    between the City's expenditures and  revenues . . . A  key risk is that  the
    replacement  of one-shot revenues is likely to become increasingly difficult
    over time.  Moody's continues  to  expect that  the City's  progress  toward
    achieving  long-term balance will be slow and uneven, but that the City will
    be diligent and prudent in closing gaps as they arise.
 
    As discussed above under FISCAL YEAR  1993 AND 1993-1996 FINANCIAL PLAN,  on
July  2, 1993  after a  review of the  City's budget  for fiscal  year 1994, its
proposed budget  for  fiscal year  1995  and  certain additional  cuts  in  both
proposed by the Mayor and the City Comptroller, S&P confirmed its A- rating with
a  negative  outlook of  the  City's general  obligation  bonds but  indicated a
continuing concern  about budgets  for fiscal  year 1995  and thereafter.  S&P's
rating of the City's general obligation bonds remains unchanged.
 
    On  October 12, 1993, Moody's increased its rating of the City's issuance of
$650 million of Tax  Anticipation Notes ("TANs") to  MIG-1 from MIG-2. Prior  to
that  date, on May 9,  1990, Moody's revised downward  its rating on outstanding
City revenue anticipation notes from MIG-1  to MIG-2 and rated the $900  million
Notes  then  being sold  MIG-2.  S&P's rating  of  the October  1993  TANS issue
increased to SP-1 from SP-2. Prior to that date, on April 29, 1991, S&P  revised
downward its rating on City revenue anticipation notes from SP-1 to SP-2.
 
    As  of June 30, 1993, the City  and MAC had, respectively, $19.6 billion and
$4.5 billion of outstanding net long-term indebtedness.
 
    (3) THE STATE AGENCIES: Certain Agencies of the State have faced substantial
financial difficulties which could adversely affect the ability of such Agencies
to make payments  of interest  on, and  principal amounts  of, their  respective
bonds.  The  difficulties  have in  certain  instances caused  the  State (under
so-called  "moral  obligation"  provisions   which  are  non-binding   statutory
provisions  for State  appropriations to  maintain various  debt service reserve
funds) to appropriate funds on behalf of the Agencies. Moreover, it is  expected
that  the  problems  faced by  these  Agencies  will continue  and  will require
increasing amounts of State assistance in future years. Failure of the State  to
appropriate  necessary amounts or to take  other action to permit those Agencies
having financial  difficulties  to meet  their  obligations could  result  in  a
default by one or more of the Agencies. Such default, if it were to occur, would
be  likely to have a  significant adverse effect on  investor confidence in, and
therefore the  market  price of,  obligations  of the  defaulting  Agencies.  In
addition,  any default in payment on any  general obligation of any Agency whose
bonds contain a moral obligation provision could constitute a failure of certain
conditions that must be satisfied in connection with Federal guarantees of  City
and  MAC obligations  and could thus  jeopardize the  City's long-term financing
plans.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    As of  September 30,  1993,  the State  reported  that there  were  eighteen
Agencies  that each had outstanding debt of $100 million or more. These eighteen
Agencies had  an  aggregate of  $63.5  billion of  outstanding  debt,  including
refunding  bonds, of which $7.7  billion was moral obligation  debt of the State
and $19.3 billion  was financed under  lease-purchase or contractual  obligation
financing arrangements.
 
    (4) STATE LITIGATION: The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings
pertaining  to  matters incidental  to the  performance of  routine governmental
operations. Such litigation  includes, but  is not limited  to, claims  asserted
against  the State  arising from alleged  torts, alleged  breaches of contracts,
condemnation proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws.
Included in the State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases challenging
the constitutionality  or  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of  a  variety  of
significant  social  welfare  programs primarily  involving  the  State's mental
hygiene programs. Adverse judgments in  these matters generally could result  in
injunctive  relief coupled with prospective changes  in patient care which could
require substantial increased financing of the litigated programs in the future.
 
    The State  is  also engaged  in  a  variety of  claims  wherein  significant
monetary  damages are sought. Actions commenced  by several Indian nations claim
that significant amounts of land were unconstitutionally taken from the  Indians
in  violation  of  various treaties  and  agreements during  the  eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries. The claimants seek  recovery of approximately six  million
acres of land as well as compensatory and punitive damages.
 
    The  U.S. Supreme Court on March 30,  1993, referred to a Special Master for
determination of damages an action by  the State of Delaware to recover  certain
unclaimed  dividends,  interest  and  other  distributions  made  by  issuers of
securities held by New  York based-brokers incorporated  in Delaware. (STATE  OF
DELAWARE  V. STATE  OF NEW  YORK.) The State  had taken  such unclaimed property
under its ABANDONED  PROPERTY LAW.  New York and  Delaware have  entered into  a
settlement  agreement which provides for a payment of $35 million in fiscal year
1993-94 and thereafter five $33 million annual payments. Claims of other  states
and  the District of Columbia  have not been settled  and the State expects that
additional payments,  which may  be significant,  may be  required with  respect
thereto during fiscal year 1994 and thereafter.
 
    In  SCHULZ V.  STATE OF  NEW YORK, commenced  May 24,  1993 ("SCHULZ 1993"),
petitioners have challenged the constitutionality of mass transportation bonding
programs  of  the  New  York  State  Thruway  Authority  and  the   Metropolitan
Transportation  Authority. On  May 24, 1993,  the Supreme  Court, Albany County,
temporarily enjoined  the State  from implementing  those bonding  programs.  In
previous  actions  Mr.  Schulz and  others  have challenged  on  similar grounds
bonding programs for the  New York State Urban  Development Corporation and  the
New  York  Local Government  Assistance Corporation.  While  there have  been no
decisions on the merits in  such previous actions, by  an opinion dated May  11,
1993,  the New York Court of Appeals held in a proceeding commenced on April 29,
1991 in the Supreme  Court, Albany County  (SCHULZ V. STATE  OF NEW YORK),  that
petitioners  had standing as  voters under the State  Constitution to bring such
action.
 
    Petitioners in SCHULZ 1993 have asserted  that issuance of bonds by the  two
Authorities  is subject to  approval by statewide  referendum. By decision dated
October 21, 1993, the Appellate  Division, Third Department, affirmed the  order
of  the Supreme  Court, Albany County,  granting the State's  motion for summary
judgment, dismissing the complaint and vacating the temporary restraining order.
In December 1993, the New York Court of Appeals indicated that it would hear the
plaintiffs' appeal of the Appellate Division's decision in SCHULZ 1993. At  this
time  there can be no forecast of the likelihood of success on the merits by the
petitioners, but  a  decision  upholding  this  constitutional  challenge  could
restrict  and limit the ability of the State and its instrumentalities to borrow
funds in the future.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    Adverse developments in the foregoing  proceedings or new proceedings  could
adversely affect the financial condition of the State in the future.
 
    (5)  OTHER MUNICIPALITIES: Certain  localities in addition  to New York City
could  have  financial  problems  leading  to  requests  for  additional   State
assistance.  The potential impact on the State  of such actions by localities is
not included in projections  of State receipts and  expenditures in the  State's
1993-94 and 1994-95 fiscal years.
 
    Fiscal  difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers") resulted
in the creation  of the Financial  Control Board  for the City  of Yonkers  (the
"Yonkers  Board")  by the  State  in 1984.  The  Yonkers Board  is  charged with
oversight of the fiscal affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the Governor
or the State Legislature to assist  Yonkers could result in allocation of  State
resources in amounts that cannot yet be determined.
 
    Municipalities  and school districts have  engaged in substantial short-term
and long-term borrowings. In 1991, the  total indebtedness of all localities  in
the  State was approximately $31.6  billion, of which $16.8  billion was debt of
New York  City (excluding  $6.7 billion  in MAC  debt). State  law requires  the
Comptroller  to review and make recommendations  concerning the budgets of those
local government units other than New York City authorized by State law to issue
debt to  finance deficits  during  the period  that  such deficit  financing  is
outstanding. Fifteen localities had outstanding indebtedness for state financing
at  the close of their  fiscal year ending in 1991.  In 1992, an unusually large
number of local government units requested authorization for deficit financings.
According to the Comptroller, ten local government units have been authorized to
issue deficit financing in the aggregate amount of $131.1 million.
 
    Certain proposed Federal  expenditure reductions  could reduce,  or in  some
cases  eliminate, Federal funding  of some local  programs and accordingly might
impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected localities. If
the State, New York City or any of the Agencies were to suffer serious financial
difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit  markets,
the  marketability of  notes and  bonds issued  by localities  within the State,
including notes  or bonds  in the  New York  Insured Trust,  could be  adversely
affected. Localities also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from
certain  pending litigation, judicial decisions, and long-range economic trends.
The longer-range potential  problems of declining  urban population,  increasing
expenditures,  and other economic  trends could adversely  affect localities and
require increasing State assistance in the future.
 
    (6) OTHER ISSUERS OF NEW YORK  MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. There are a number  of
other  agencies, instrumentalities and political  subdivisions of the State that
issue Municipal Obligations, some  of which may  be conduit revenue  obligations
payable  from payments  from private  borrowers. These  entities are  subject to
various economic  risks  and  uncertainties,  and  the  credit  quality  of  the
securities  issued  by them  may vary  considerably from  the credit  quality of
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
NEW YORK TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal,  state and  local taxes, using  published 1994  marginal
Federal tax rates and marginal state and local tax rates currently available and
scheduled  to  be in  effect.  The tables  incorporate  increased tax  rates for
higher-income taxpayers that were included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act  of
1993.  For cases  in which  two state  or local  brackets fall  within a federal
bracket, the higher state or local bracket is combined with the federal bracket.
The combined local, state and Federal  tax brackets shown reflect the fact  that
state  and local tax payments are currently deductible for Federal tax purposes.
The tables illustrate  what you  would have to  earn on  taxable investments  to
equal  the tax-exempt  estimated current return  for your income  tax bracket. A
taxpayer's marginal tax  rate is  affected by both  his taxable  income and  his
adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable income (which
is  your adjusted gross  income reduced by any  deductions and exemptions), then
locate your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to  the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
 
I.  COMBINED FEDERAL AND NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     6.05    6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28
                 100.0-111.8     23.0          6.17    6.49    6.82    7.14    7.47    7.79    8.12    8.44
    38.0- 91.9       0-100.0     33.5          7.14    7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77
                 100.0-111.8     34.5          7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
                 111.8-150.0     35.5          7.36    7.75    8.14    8.53    8.91    9.30    9.69   10.08
                 150.0-167.7     34.5          7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
    91.9-140.0       0-100.0     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
                 100.0-111.8     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          7.72    8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57
                 150.0-167.7     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
                 167.7-290.2     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
   140.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     43.0          8.33    8.77    9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40
                 150.0-167.7     42.0          8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
                 167.7-290.2     44.5          8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
                  Over 290.2     42.0    2     8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2     48.5          9.22    9.71   10.19   10.68   11.17   11.65   12.14   12.62
                  Over 290.2     45.5    3     8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-100.0     21.5    %     6.05    6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28
                 100.0-111.8     22.5          6.13    6.45    6.77    7.10    7.42    7.74    8.06    8.39
    22.8- 55.1       0-100.0     33.5          7.14    7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77
                 100.0-111.8     34.0          7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85
    55.1-115.0       0-100.0     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
                 100.0-111.8     37.0          7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          7.72    8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57
                 150.0-234.3     38.0          7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
   115.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     43.0          8.33    8.77    9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40
                 150.0-234.3     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
                  Over 234.3     42.0    2     8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3     45.5    3     8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
II. COMBINED FEDERAL, NEW YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal      Combined
    Federal      Adjusted       State,
    Taxable        Gross         Local                     Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income      and Federal     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-100.0     25.5    %     6.38    6.71    7.05    7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72
                 100.0-111.8     26.5          6.46    6.80    7.14    7.48    7.82    8.16    8.50    8.84
    38.0- 91.9       0-100.0     37.0          7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
                 100.0-111.8     38.0          7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
                 111.8-150.0     38.5          7.72    8.13    8.54    8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57
                 150.0-167.7     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
    91.9-140.0       0-100.0     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
                 100.0-111.8     40.5          7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
                 111.8-150.0     41.5          8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
                 150.0-167.7     40.5          7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
                 167.7-290.2     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
   140.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     45.5          8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
                 150.0-167.7     45.0          8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
                 167.7-290.2     47.5          9.05    9.52   10.00   10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38
                  Over 290.2     45.0    2     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2     51.0          9.69   10.20   10.71   11.22   11.73   12.24   12.76   13.27
                  Over 290.2     48.0    3     9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal      Combined
    Federal      Adjusted       State,
    Taxable        Gross         Local                     Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income      and Federal     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-100.0     25.5    %     6.38    6.71    7.05    7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72
                 100.0-111.8     26.0          6.42    6.76    7.09    7.43    7.77    8.11    8.45    8.78
    22.8- 55.1       0-100.0     37.0          7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
                 100.0-111.8     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
    55.1-115.0       0-100.0     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
                 100.0-111.8     40.0          7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83
                 111.8-150.0     41.5          8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
                 150.0-234.3     41.0          8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
   115.0-250.0   111.8-150.0     46.0          8.80    9.26    9.72   10.19   10.65   11.11   11.57   12.04
                 150.0-234.3     45.5          8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
                  Over 234.3     45.0    2     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3     48.0    3     9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
<FN>
- ------------------
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on  itemized deductions and the deduction for personal exemptions. They
were designed to phase out certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect,  raise
the  marginal Federal tax rate  to approximately 44.0 percent for  taxpayers filing a joint return  and entitled to four personal
exemptions and to approximately 41.0 percent for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to only one personal exemption.  These
limitations  are subject  to certain  maximums, which depend  on the  number of  exemptions claimed and  the total  amount of the
taxpayer's itemized deductions. For example, the  limitation on itemized deductions will not  cause a taxpayer to lose more  than
80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions. The table also reflects the New York State supplemental income
tax based upon a taxpayer's New York State taxable income and New York State adjusted gross income. This supplemental tax results
in  an increased marginal state income  tax rate to the extent  a taxpayer's New York State  adjusted gross income ranges between
$100,000 and $150,000. The  table does not, however,  reflect the amendments to  the New York State  income tax law that  imposes
limitations  on the deductibility of itemized deductions. The application of the New York State limitation on itemized deductions
may result in a higher combined Federal, State and local tax rate than indicated in the table. The table assumes for this purpose
that a taxpayer's New York State adjusted income equals his Federal adjusted gross income.
      2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    A comparison of  tax-free and equivalent  taxable estimated current  returns
with  the returns on various  taxable investments is one  element to consider in
making an  investment  decision.  The Sponsor  may  from  time to  time  in  its
advertising  and sales materials  compare the then  current estimated returns on
the Trust and returns over specified periods on other similar Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds,  bank
CD's  and  money  market accounts  or  money  market funds,  each  of  which has
investment characteristics  that  may  differ  from those  of  the  Trust.  U.S.
Government  bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds  provide
stability  of principal, but pay interest at  rates that vary with the condition
of the short-term debt market. The  investment characteristics of the Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
Schedule of Investments at Date of Deposit
August 16, 1994
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 221
(Series 746)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   450,000     * Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,      2003 at 100        AAA         Aaa     $       375,764
                   City University System Consolidated Revenue
                   Bonds, Series 1993F, 5.00% Due 7/1/20.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about October 5, 1993 at a price of
                   90.443% of principal amount.)
    500,000      New York Local Government Assistance                2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             451,615
                   Corporation, Series 1993B Refunding Bonds,
                   5.50% Due 4/1/21. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about April 6, 1993 at
                   a price of 93.643% of principal amount.)
    500,000      New York State Medical Care, Facilities Finance     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             470,425
                   Agency, Mental Health Services Facilities
                   Improvement Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series A,
                   5.80% Due 8/15/22. (General Obligation
                   Bonds.)
    525,000      Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New        2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             510,752
                   York), Transit Facilities Revenue Bonds,
                   Series O, 6.00% Due 7/1/24. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about July 12,
                   1994 at a price of 94.871% of principal
                   amount.)
    500,000      The City of New York (New York), General          2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             466,540
                   Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1994 Series E,
                   5.625% Due 8/1/12.
    525,000      New York City (New York), Municipal Water         2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             491,516
                   Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
                   Revenue Bonds, Fixed Rate Fiscal 1994 Series
                   F, 5.75% Due 6/15/20.
    500,000      Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (New      No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             505,160
                   York), General Purpose Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1994A, 6.00% Due 1/1/11.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,271,772
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 45.
 
   
* These  Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the normal
  settlement date. Their expected  delivery date is  August 26, 1994.  Contracts
  relating  to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement for
  purchase made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 13%  of  the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
OHIO INSURED TRUST 117
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Ohio Insured Trust 117 consists of 9 obligations issued by
entities located in Ohio. Two Bonds in the Trust are general obligations of  the
governmental  entities issuing them and are backed by the taxing powers thereof.
Seven Bonds in  the Trust  are payable  as to  principal and  interest from  the
income  of a specific project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's
power to levy  taxes. The  sources of  payment for  these bonds  are divided  as
follows: College and University Revenue, 1; Electrical System Revenue, 2; Health
Care Facility Revenue, 2; Transportation Facility Revenue, 1; Water and/or Sewer
Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard
& Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the  Date of  Deposit, the  average maturity  of the  Bonds in  the Ohio
Insured Trust is 27.4  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust (or, with
respect  to Bonds for  which funds or  securities have been  placed in escrow to
redeem such Bonds on a stated call date, based upon such call date). The average
maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from the sale of electric energy.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August  10,
1994 and August 15, 1994. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Difference between Trustee's
                                                               Determination of Offering Price and
   Cost to    Profit (or loss)   Annual Interest   Bid Price              the Bid Price
   Sponsor       to Sponsor      Income to Trust    of Bonds       (as % of principal amount)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,377,354       $18,833           $208,545      $3,378,824                 .50%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither   cost  to  Sponsor  nor  profit   (or  loss)  to  Sponsor  reflects
underwriting profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through  its
participation   in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as  a
manager  or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Ohio Insured Trust, less estimated expenses,  is estimated to accrue at the
rate of $.01607  per Unit per  day under the  semi-annual plan of  distribution,
$.01602  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01593
per Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated  that
the  amount of interest to be distributed per  Unit in each year under each plan
of distribution  will initially  be  substantially equal  to the  Estimated  Net
Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details  of interest distributions per Unit  of the Ohio Insured Trust under
the various plans appear in the following table based upon estimated Net  Annual
Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Normal
                                                                                                      Distributions
Ohio Insured Trust                                1994                             1995                  per Year
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .7168(1)                                                  $  5.7357
                                                          --------  $.4779 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .7168(1)   $   .4806(2)   $  1.4418      $  1.4418        $  5.7677
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .7168(1)   $   .4821(3)                  $  2.8926        $  5.7867
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution  may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2)  The  second distribution  under the  quarterly distribution  plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution  under the semi-annual  distribution plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent  semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The  accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn the amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will  generally change as Bonds are  redeemed,
mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
TAX STATUS--OHIO INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Ohio Insured
Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    The  Ohio  Insured   Trust  is  comprised   primarily  of   interest-bearing
obligations  issued by or on behalf of the State of Ohio, political subdivisions
thereof, or agencies or instrumentalities  thereof (the "Ohio Obligations"),  or
by  the governments  of Puerto  Rico, the  Virgin Islands,  the Northern Mariana
Islands or Guam (collectively, "Obligations").
 
    In the opinion  of Squire, Sanders  & Dempsey, special  Ohio counsel to  the
Series,  provided that at all  times at least fifty percent  of the value of the
total assets of the Ohio Insured  Trust consist of Ohio Obligations, or  similar
obligations of other states or their subdivisions, under existing Ohio law:
 
        The  Ohio Insured Trust is not taxable as a corporation or otherwise for
    purposes of the Ohio personal income tax, Ohio school district income taxes,
    the Ohio corporation franchise tax, or the Ohio dealers in intangibles tax.
 
        Income of the Ohio Insured  Trust will be treated  as the income of  the
    Unitholders  for  purposes  of the  Ohio  personal income  tax,  Ohio school
    district income taxes, Ohio municipal income taxes and the Ohio  corporation
    franchise  tax  in proportion  to the  respective  interest therein  of each
    Unitholder.
 
        Interest on Obligations held  by the Ohio Insured  Trust is exempt  from
    the  Ohio personal income  tax, Ohio municipal income  taxes and Ohio school
    district income taxes and is excluded from  the net income base of the  Ohio
    corporation   franchise  tax  when  distributed  or  deemed  distributed  to
    Unitholders.
 
        Proceeds paid under insurance  policies, if any, to  the Trustee of  the
    Ohio  Insured Trust, representing maturing interest on defaulted obligations
    held by the Ohio  Trust will be  exempt from the  Ohio personal income  tax,
    Ohio  school district income taxes, Ohio  municipal income taxes and the net
    income base of the Ohio corporation franchise tax if, and to the same extent
    as, such interest would be  exempt from such taxes  if paid directly by  the
    issuer of such obligations.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
        Gains  and losses realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition by
    the Ohio  Insured Trust  of  Ohio Obligations  are excluded  in  determining
    adjusted  gross and taxable income for  purposes of the Ohio personal income
    tax, Ohio municipal income taxes and  Ohio school district income taxes  and
    are  excluded from the net income base of the Ohio corporation franchise tax
    when distributed or deemed distributed to Unitholders.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--OHIO
 
    As described  above, the  Trust will  invest substantially  all of  its  net
assets  in  securities  issued  by  or  on  behalf  of  (or  in  certificates of
participation in lease  purchase obligations  of) the State  of Ohio,  political
subdivisions  of the State, or agencies or instrumentalities of the State or its
political subdivisions (Ohio Obligations). The Trust is therefore susceptible to
general or particular political, economic or regulatory factors that may  affect
issuers  of Ohio Obligations. The following information constitutes only a brief
summary of  some of  the  many complex  factors that  may  have an  effect.  The
information  does not apply to "conduit"  obligations on which the public issuer
itself has  no  financial  responsibility.  This  information  is  derived  from
official  statements of certain Ohio issuers  published in connection with their
issuance of  securities and  from  other publicly  available documents,  and  is
believed to be accurate. No independent verification has been made of any of the
following information.
 
    The  creditworthiness  of Ohio  Obligations  of local  issuers  is generally
unrelated to that  of obligations  of the  State itself,  and the  State has  no
responsibility  to  make  payments  on those  local  obligations.  There  may be
specific factors that at particular times apply in connection with investment in
particular Ohio Obligations or in those obligations of particular Ohio  issuers.
It  is possible that the investment may be in particular Ohio Obligations, or in
those of  particular issuers,  as to  which those  factors apply.  However,  the
information  below is intended only as a general summary, and is not intended as
a discussion of any specific factors  that may affect any particular  obligation
or issuer.
 
    The timely payment of principal of and interest on Ohio Obligations has been
guaranteed  by  bond insurance  purchased  by the  issuers,  the Trust  or other
parties. Those Ohio Obligations may not be subject to the factors referred to in
this section of the Prospectus.
 
    Ohio is the seventh most populous state. Its 1990 Census count of 10,847,000
indicates a 0.5% population increase from 1980.
 
    While diversifying more into the service and other non-manufacturing  areas,
the  Ohio  economy continues  to  rely in  part  on durable  goods manufacturing
largely concentrated in motor vehicles and equipment, steel, rubber products and
household appliances. As a result, general  economic activity, as in many  other
industrially-developed  states, tends  to be  more cyclical  than in  some other
states and in the nation as a whole. Agriculture is an important segment of  the
economy,  with over half  the State's area devoted  to farming and approximately
15% of total employment in agribusiness.
 
    In prior years, the State's overall unemployment rate was commonly  somewhat
higher  than the national figure. For example, the reported 1990 average monthly
State rate was  5.7%, compared the  to 5.5% national  figure. However, for  both
1991  and 1992  the State rates  (6.4% and  7.2%) were below  the national rates
(6.7% and 7.4%).  The unemployment rate  and its effects  vary among  particular
geographic areas of the State.
 
    There  can  be no  assurance that  future  national, regional  or state-wide
economic difficulties, and  the resulting  impact on State  or local  government
finances  generally,  will  not  adversely  affect  the  market  value  of  Ohio
Obligations held in the Trust portfolio or the
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
ability of particular obligors  to make timely payments  of debt service on  (or
lease payments relating to) those obligations.
 
    The  State operates on the basis of a fiscal biennium for its appropriations
and expenditures, and  is precluded by  law from ending  its July 1  to June  30
fiscal year "FY" or fiscal biennium in a deficit position. Most State operations
are  financed through the General Revenue  Fund "GRF", for which personal income
and sales-use taxes are  the major sources. Growth  and depletion of GRF  ending
fund balances show a consistent pattern related to national economic conditions,
with  the ending FY  balance reduced during less  favorable and increased during
more favorable economic periods. The State has well-established procedures  for,
and  has timely taken, necessary actions to ensure resource/expenditure balances
during less favorable  economic periods.  These procedures  include general  and
selected reductions in appropriations spending.
 
    Key  biennium-ending fund balances  at June 30, 1989  were $475.1 million in
the GRF and $353  million in the  Budget Stabilization Fund  ("BSF", a cash  and
budgetary  management  fund). In  FYs 1990-91,  necessary corrective  steps were
taken to respond to lower receipts and higher expenditures in certain categories
than  earlier   estimated.  Those   steps   included  selected   reductions   in
appropriations spending and the transfer of $64 million from the BSF to the GRF.
The  State reported June 30,  1991 ending fund balances  of $135.3 million (GRF)
and $300 million (BSF).
 
    To allow time to resolve certain Senate and House budget differences for the
latest complete biennium that began July 1, 1991, an interim appropriations  act
was  enacted effective July  1, 1991; it  included State debt  service and lease
rental GRF appropriations for the entire 1992-93 biennium, while continuing most
other appropriations for a month. The general appropriations act for the  entire
biennium was passed on July 11, 1991 and signed by the Governor. Pursuant to it,
$200 million was transfered from the BSF to the GRF in FY 1992.
 
    Based  on  the updated  FY financial  results and  economic forecast  in the
course of FY 1992, both in light of the continuing uncertain nationwide economic
situation, there was projected and timely addressed an FY 1992 imbalance in  GRF
resources  and expenditures. GRF receipts significantly below original forecasts
resulted primarily from lower collections  of certain taxes, particularly  sales
and use taxes and personal income taxes. Higher expenditure levels resulted from
higher  spending  in  certain  areas,  particularly  human  services,  including
Medicaid. As an  initial action,  the Governor  ordered most  State agencies  to
reduce  GRF  spending  in  the  last  six  months  of  FY  1992  by  a  total of
approximately $184 million. As  authorized by the  General Assembly, the  $100.4
million  BSF  balance, and  additional amounts  from  certain other  funds, were
transferred late in the FY to the GRF, and adjustments in the timing of  certain
tax  payments made. Other  administrative revenue and  spending actions resolved
the remaining GRF imbalance.
 
    A significant GRF shortfall (approximately $520 million) was then  projected
for  FY 1993.  It was  addressed by  appropriate legislative  and administrative
actions. As a  first step  the Governor ordered,  effective July  1, 1992,  $300
million in selected GRF spending reductions. Executive and legislative action in
December  1992,  a combination  of tax  revisions and  additional appropriations
spending reductions, resulted in a balance of GRF resources and expenditures  in
the  1992-93 biennium. OBM has reported an  ending GRF fund cash balance at June
30,  1993  of  approximately  $111  million,  and,  as  a  first  step  to   BSF
replenishment, OBM has deposited $21 million in the BSF. (Based on June 30, 1994
balances, an additional $260 million has been deposited in the BSF.)
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
    No  spending  reductions  were  applied to  appropriations  needed  for debt
service or lease rentals on any State obligations.
 
    The GRF appropriations act for the  current 1994-95 biennium was passed  and
signed  by  the  Governor  on  July  1,  1993.  It  includes  all  necessary GRF
appropriations for biennial State debt service and lease rental payments.
 
    The State's incurrence or  assumption of debt without  a vote of the  people
is,   with  limited  exceptions,  prohibited  by  current  State  Constitutional
provisions. The State may  incur debt, limited in  amount to $750,000, to  cover
casual  deficits  or failures  in  revenues or  to  meet expenses  not otherwise
provided for. The Constitution expressly  precludes the State from assuming  the
debts of any local government or corporation. An exception is made in both cases
for  any debt incurred  to repel invasion, suppress  insurrection, or defend the
State in war.
 
    By 13 constitutional amendments, the last adopted in 1993, Ohio voters  have
authorized the incurrence of State debt to the payment of which taxes or excises
were  pledged. At June 20, 1994, $710.2 million (excluding certain highway bonds
payable primarily from  highway use  charges) of  this debt  was outstanding  or
awaiting delivery. The only such State debt then still authorized to be incurred
were portions of the highway bonds, and the following; (a) up to $100 million of
obligations  for coal  research and development  may be outstanding  at any time
($43.1 million outstanding); and  (b) of $1.2 billion  of obligations for  local
infrastructure  improvements, no more than $120 million  may to be issued in any
calendar year ($645.2  million outstanding  or awaiting  delivery, $480  million
remaining  to be issued); and (c) up to $200 million in general obligation bonds
for parks and recreation purposes  may be outstanding at  any one time (no  more
than $50 million to be issued in any one year, and none have yet been issued).
 
    The  Constitution  also authorizes  the  issuance of  State  obligations for
certain purposes, the owners of which do  not have the right to have excises  or
taxes  levied to pay debt service. Those special obligations include obligations
issued by the Ohio Public Facilities Commission and the Ohio Building Authority,
$4.25 billion of which were outstanding at June 20, 1994.
 
    A 1990  constitutional  amendment  authorizes greater  State  and  political
subdivision participation (including financing) in the provision of housing. The
General   Assembly  may  for  that  purpose  authorize  the  issuance  of  State
obligations secured by a pledge of all or such portion as it authorizes of State
revenues or  receipts, (but  not  by a  pledge of  the  State's full  faith  and
credit).
 
    State  and local  agencies issue revenue  obligations that  are payable from
revenues from  or  relating to  certain  facilities  (but not  from  taxes).  By
judicial  interpretation, these obligations are not "debt" within constitutional
provisions. In general, payment  obligations under lease-purchase agreements  of
Ohio  public agencies (in which certificates of participation may be issued) are
limited in duration to the agency's  fiscal period, and are renewable only  upon
appropriations being made available for the subsequent fiscal period.
 
    Local  school districts  in Ohio  receive a  major portion  (on a state-wide
basis,  recently  approximately  46%)  of  their  operating  moneys  from  State
subsidies,  but are dependent on local property  taxes, and in 98 districts from
voter-authorized income  taxes,  for  significant  portions  of  their  budgets.
Litigation,  similar  to  that  in  other  states,  is  pending  questioning the
constitutionality of Ohio's system of  school funding. The trial court  recently
concluded  that aspects of the system (including basic operating assistance) are
unconstitutional, and
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
ordered the State  to provide  for and  fund a  system complying  with the  Ohio
Constitution. The State has announced its intention to appeal. A small number of
the  State's  612  local school  districts  have  in any  year  required special
assistance to avoid  year-end deficits.  A current program  provides for  school
district cash need borrowing directly from commercial lenders, with diversion of
State  subsidy  distributions to  repayment  if needed;  in  FY 1991  under this
program, 26 districts  borrowed a  total of  $41.8 million  (including over  $27
million  by  one district),  and  in FY  1992  borrowings totaled  $68.6 million
(including $46.6 million for one district). FY 1993 loans totalled $94.5 million
for 43 districts (including $75 million for one district). FY 1994 loan approval
totalled at June 20, 1994, $18.9 million for 25 districts.
 
    Ohio's 943 incorporated cities and  villages rely primarily on property  and
municipal  income taxes for their operations, and, with other local governments,
receive local government support and  property tax relief moneys distributed  by
the  State. For those few municipalities that on occasion have faced significant
financial problems,  there  are statutory  procedures  for a  joint  State/local
commission to monitor the municipality's fiscal affairs and for development of a
financial  plan to eliminate deficits and  cure any defaults. Since inception in
1979, these procedures have been  applied to 23 cities  and villages; for 18  of
them the fiscal situation was resolved and the procedures terminated.
 
    At  present the State itself  does not levy any ad  valorem taxes on real or
tangible personal property. Those taxes are levied by political subdivisions and
other local taxing districts. The Constitution has since 1934 limited the amount
of the aggregate  levy (including  a levy  for unvoted  general obligations)  of
property  taxes by all overlapping subdivisions,  without a vote of the electors
or a municipal charter  provision, to 1%  of true value  in money, and  statutes
limit  the amount of the aggregate levy to 10 mills per $1 of assessed valuation
(commonly referred to as the  "ten-mill limitation"). Voted general  obligations
of  subdivisions are payable from property taxes that are unlimited as to amount
or rate.
 
OHIO TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal  Federal
tax  rates and marginal state tax rates  currently available and scheduled to be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers  that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993. For
cases in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket,  the
highest  state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined state
and Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments  are
currently  deductible for Federal  tax purposes. The  tables illustrate what you
would have to  earn on  taxable investments  to equal  the tax-exempt  estimated
current  return for your income  tax bracket. A taxpayer's  marginal tax rate is
affected by both his taxable income  and his adjusted gross income. Locate  your
adjusted  gross and  your taxable  income (which  is your  adjusted gross income
reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket based on
joint or single  tax filing.  Read across  to the  equivalent taxable  estimated
current return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      19.0   %     5.86    6.17    6.48    6.79    7.10    7.41    7.72    8.02
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      32.5         7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63
                 111.8-167.7      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      36.0         7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
                 111.8-167.7      36.5         7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
                 167.7-290.2      39.0         7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
   140.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      42.0         8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
                 167.7-290.2      44.5         8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
                  Over 290.2      42.0   2     8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      48.0         9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
                  Over 290.2      45.0   3     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross       State and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      19.0   %     5.86    6.17    6.48    6.79    7.10    7.41    7.72    8.02
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      31.5         6.93    7.30    7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76    9.12    9.49
    55.1-115.0       0-111.8      36.0         7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
                 111.8-234.3      37.0         7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      42.5         8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
                  Over 234.3      42.0   2     8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78   11.21
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      45.0   3     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
<FN>
- ------------------
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on  itemized deductions and the deduction for personal exemptions. They
were designed to phase out certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect,  raise
the  current maximum marginal Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 percent for  taxpayers filing a single return  entitled to only one  personal
exemption.  These limitations are  subject to certain maximums,  which depend on  the number of exemptions  claimed and the total
amount of the taxpayer's itemized  deductions. For example, the  limitation on itemized deductions will  not cause a taxpayer  to
lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
      2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials  compare the then  current estimated returns  on
the Trust and returns over specified periods on other similar Nuveen Trusts with
returns  on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank
CD's and  money  market  accounts or  money  market  funds, each  of  which  has
investment  characteristics  that  may  differ from  those  of  the  Trust. U.S.
Government bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of  the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of  the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds provide
stability of principal, but pay interest  at rates that vary with the  condition
of  the short-term debt market. The  investment characteristics of the Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
   
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
Schedule of Investments at Date of Deposit
August 16, 1994
OHIO INSURED TRUST 117
(Series 746)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   110,000      State of Ohio (Ohio Higher Educational Facility     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $        99,836
                   Commission), Higher Educational Facility
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds (John Carroll
                   University), 5.30% Due 11/15/14.
    500,000      Ohio Water Development Authority, State of          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             452,650
                   Ohio, Collateralized Water Development
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1994 Series A (The
                   Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company Project),
                   5.45% Due 1/1/24.
    500,000      Ohio Water Development Authority, State of          2002 at 102        AAA         Aaa             509,230
                   Ohio, Collateralized Water Development
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1992 Series A (The
                   Dayton Power and Light Company Project),
                   6.40% Due 8/15/27.
    100,000      Akron, Bath and Copley Joint Township Hospital      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa              87,752
                   District, Ohio, Hospital Refunding Revenue
                   Bonds, Series 1993 (Children's Hospital
                   Medical Center of Akron), 5.25% Due 11/15/20.
    500,000      City of Cleveland, Ohio, Airport System             2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             495,000
                   Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B,
                   6.10% Due 1/1/24. (When issued.)
    500,000      City of Fremont, Ohio, Water Treatment Plant        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             489,640
                   Expansion, General Obligation Bonds, Series
                   1994, 5.95% Due 12/1/24.
    500,000      County of Lucas, Ohio, Hospital Refunding           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             449,800
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1993B (St. Vincent
                   Medical Center), 5.375% Due 8/15/17.
    300,000      County of Sandusky, Ohio, County Building           2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             303,816
                   Bonds, 6.25% Due 12/1/19. (General Obligation
                   Bonds.)
    490,000      County of Warren, Ohio, Waterworks System           2002 at 102        AAA         Aaa             508,463
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, Warren County
                   Water District, 6.60% Due 12/1/16.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,396,187
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 45.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
   
PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 185
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Pennsylvania  Insured Trust 185  consists of 7 obligations
issued by entities located in Pennsylvania. One  Bond in the Trust is a  general
obligation  of the governmental  entity issuing it  and is backed  by the taxing
power thereof. Six Bonds in the Trust  are payable as to principal and  interest
from  the income of a specific project or authority and are not supported by the
issuer's power to levy taxes. The sources of payment for these bonds are divided
as follows: College  and University  Revenue, 2; Electrical  System Revenue,  1;
Health  Care Facility Revenue, 3. All of the Bonds in the Trust, as insured, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the  Date  of  Deposit,  the  average  maturity  of  the  Bonds  in  the
Pennsylvania Insured Trust is 27.1 years. The average maturity of the Bonds in a
Trust  is calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such Trust
(or, with respect to  Bonds for which  funds or securities  have been placed  in
escrow  to redeem such Bonds on a stated  call date, based upon such call date).
The average maturity of the Bonds in a Trust may increase or decrease from  time
to time as Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  14.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 13.5% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from  payments  to  colleges  and  universities,  including  tuition,  dormitory
revenues, grants and endorsements.
 
    Approximately 43% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between August 12,
1994 and August 15, 1994. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Difference between Trustee's
                                                               Determination of Offering Price and
   Cost to    Profit (or loss)   Annual Interest   Bid Price              the Bid Price
   Sponsor       to Sponsor      Income to Trust    of Bonds       (as % of principal amount)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,230,261       $18,074           $199,875      $3,231,460                 .48%
</TABLE>
 
    Neither  cost  to  Sponsor  nor   profit  (or  loss)  to  Sponsor   reflects
underwriting  profits or losses received or  incurred by the Sponsor through its
participation  in  underwriting  syndicates.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  The Sponsor did not participate as  either the sole underwriter or as a
manager or member of a syndicate that  acted as the original underwriter of  any
of the Bonds.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the Pennsylvania Insured Trust, less estimated expenses, is estimated to  accrue
at  the  rate  of  $.01532  per  Unit per  day  under  the  semi-annual  plan of
distribution, $.01527 per Unit per day under
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
the quarterly  plan of  distribution and  $.01518  per Unit  per day  under  the
monthly  plan of distribution. It is anticipated  that the amount of interest to
be distributed  per Unit  in each  year  under each  plan of  distribution  will
initially be substantially equal to the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per
Unit for that plan.
    
 
    Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Pennsylvania Insured Trust
under  the various plans appear in the  following table based upon estimated Net
Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Normal
                                                                                                      Distributions
Pennsylvania Insured Trust                        1994                             1995                  per Year
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................       10/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................      10/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6853(1)                                                  $  5.4861
                                                          --------  $.4569 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6853(1)   $   .4596(2)   $  1.3788      $  1.3788        $  5.5181
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6853(1)   $   .4614(3)                  $  2.7684        $  5.5371
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 * Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May  1,
   August 1 and November 1. Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
(1)  The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders,  regardless of the distribution plan selected. Such distribution may
    be more or less than a regular monthly distribution.
(2) The  second distribution  under the  quarterly  distribution plan  represents a  1-month distribution;  subsequent  quarterly
    distributions will be regular 3-month distributions.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  1-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn the amount of interest  to
be  distributed annually per Unit, will  generally change as Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
TAX STATUS--PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on  Pennsylvania
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In  the opinion of  Dechert Price & Rhoads,  special Pennsylvania counsel to
the Series, under existing law:
 
        Units evidencing  fractional  undivided interests  in  the  Pennsylvania
    Insured  Trust  are  not  subject  to any  of  the  personal  property taxes
    presently in effect in Pennsylvania to the extent of that proportion of  the
    Trust  represented by Bonds issued by  the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its
    agencies and  instrumentalities,  or by  any  county, city,  borough,  town,
    township,  school  district,  municipality  and  local  housing  or  parking
    authority in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or issued by Puerto Rico,  the
    Virgin Islands, Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands ("Pennsylvania Bonds").
    The  taxes referred to  above include the County  Personal Property Tax, the
    additional personal property  taxes imposed on  Pittsburgh residents by  the
    School  District of Pittsburgh  and by the  City of Pittsburgh.  The City of
    Pittsburgh, the School  District of Pittsburgh  and Allegheny County  cannot
    impose  personal property taxes as of  January 1, 1995. Pennsylvania Insured
    Trust Units may  be taxable  under the Pennsylvania  inheritance and  estate
    taxes.
 
        The  proportion  of interest  income  representing interest  income from
    Pennsylvania Bonds distributed  to Unitholders of  the Pennsylvania  Insured
    Trust is not taxable under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax or under the
    Corporate  Net Income Tax imposed  on corporations by Article  IV of the Tax
    Reform Code. Nor will such interest be taxable
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    under the  Philadelphia School  District Investment  Income Tax  imposed  on
    Philadelphia resident individuals.
 
        The disposition by the Pennsylvania Insured Trust of a Pennsylvania Bond
    (whether  by sale,  exchange, redemption  or payment  at maturity)  will not
    constitute a taxable event to  a Unitholder under the Pennsylvania  Personal
    Income  Tax if the Pennsylvania  Bond was issued prior  to February 1, 1994.
    Further, although there is no published authority on the subject, counsel is
    of the opinion that (i) a Unitholder of the Pennsylvania Insured Trust  will
    not have a taxable event under the Pennsylvania state and local income taxes
    referred  to in the preceding paragraph (other than the Corporate Net Income
    Tax) upon  the  redemption or  sale  of his  Unit  to the  extent  that  the
    Pennsylvania  Insured Trust is  then comprised of  Pennsylvania Bonds issued
    prior to February  1, 1994  and (ii)  the dispositions  by the  Pennsylvania
    Insured  Trust of a Pennsylvania Bond (whether by sale, exchange, redemption
    or payment at maturity) will not constitute a taxable event to a  Unitholder
    under  the  Corporate Net  Income Tax  or  the Philadelphia  School District
    Investment Income Tax if the Pennsylvania Bond was issued prior to  February
    1,  1994.  (The  School District  tax  has  no application  to  gain  on the
    disposition of property held by the taxpayer for more than six months.)
 
        Gains on the  sale, exchange, redemption,  or payment at  maturity of  a
    Pennsylvania Bond issued on or after February 1, 1994, will be taxable under
    all of these taxes, as will gains on the redemption or sale of a unit to the
    extent  that the Trust is comprised of Pennsylvania Bonds issued on or after
    February 1, 1994.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--PENNSYLVANIA
 
    RISK  FACTORS--Prospective   investors   should   consider   the   financial
difficulties and pressures which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and certain of
its municipal subdivisions have undergone. Both the Commonwealth and the City of
Philadelphia have historically experienced significant revenue shortfalls. There
can  be no assurance that the  Commonwealth will not experience further declines
in economic conditions or that  portions of the municipal obligations  purchased
by  the Fund  will not  be affected  by such  declines. Without  intending to be
complete, the following briefly  summarizes some of  these difficulties and  the
current  financial situation, as  well as some of  the complex factors affecting
the financial situation in the Commonwealth. It is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors  and is based in  part on information  obtained
from  various agencies in the Commonwealth. No independent verification has been
made of the following information.
 
    STATE ECONOMY--Pennsylvania  has been  historically  identified as  a  heavy
industry  state although that reputation has  changed recently as the industrial
composition of the Commonwealth  diversified when the  coal, steel and  railroad
industries began to decline. The major new sources of growth in the Commonwealth
are  in  the  service  sector, including  trade,  medical  and  health services,
education and financial institutions. The Commonwealth's agricultural industries
are also an important component of  its economic structure, accounting for  more
than $3.6 billion in crop and livestock products annually while agribusiness and
food related industries support $38 billion in economic activity annually.
 
    Non-agricultural  employment within the  Commonwealth has increased steadily
from 1984 to its 1992 level of  81.3 percent of total employment. The growth  in
employment  experienced  in the  Commonwealth  is comparable  to  the nationwide
growth  in  employment  which  has   occurred  during  this  period.  In   1993,
manufacturing  employment  represented  18.4  percent  of  all  non-agricultural
employment in  the Commonwealth  while the  services sector  accounted for  29.9
percent and the trade sector accounted for 22.4 percent.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
    The  Commonwealth recently experienced a  slowdown in its economy. Moreover,
economic strengths and weaknesses vary  in different parts of the  Commonwealth.
In  general,  heavy  industry  and  manufacturing  have  been  facing increasing
competition from foreign producers. During 1993, the annual average unemployment
rate in the Commonwealth was 7.0 percent compared to 6.8 percent for the  United
States.  For July 1994 the  unadjusted unemployment rate was  6.7 percent in the
Commonwealth and 6.2 percent in the United States, while the seasonally adjusted
unemployment rate for the Commonwealth was 6.5 percent and for the United States
was 6.1 percent.
    
    STATE BUDGET--The  Commonwealth operates  under an  annual budget  which  is
formulated and submitted for legislative approval by the Governor each February.
The  Pennsylvania  Constitution  requires that  the  Governor's  budget proposal
consist of three parts: (i) a  balanced operating budget setting forth  proposed
expenditures  and estimated revenues from all sources and, if estimated revenues
and available surplus are less than proposed expenditures, recommending specific
additional sources of revenue sufficient to  pay the deficiency; (ii) a  capital
budget  setting forth proposed expenditures to  be financed from the proceeds of
obligations of the  Commonwealth or its  agencies or from  operating funds;  and
(iii) a financial plan for not less than the succeeding five fiscal years, which
includes  for each year projected  operating expenditures and estimated revenues
and projected expenditures for capital  projects. The General Assembly may  add,
change  or delete  any items  in the  budget prepared  by the  Governor, but the
Governor retains veto  power over  the individual appropriations  passed by  the
legislature.  The Commonwealth's fiscal year  begins on July 1  and ends on June
30.
 
    All funds  received by  the  Commonwealth are  subject to  appropriation  in
specific  amounts by the  General Assembly or by  executive authorization by the
Governor. Total appropriations enacted  by the General  Assembly may not  exceed
the  ensuing  year's estimated  revenues,  plus (less)  the  unappropriated fund
balance (deficit) of the preceding year, except for constitutionally  authorized
debt  service payments. Appropriations from the principal operating funds of the
Commonwealth (the General  Fund, the Motor  License Fund and  the State  Lottery
Fund)  are  generally  made  for  one  fiscal  year  and  are  returned  to  the
unappropriated surplus of the fund if not spent or encumbered by the end of  the
fiscal year. The Constitution specifies that a surplus of operating funds at the
end of a fiscal year must be appropriated for the ensuing year.
 
    Pennsylvania   uses  the  "fund"  method  of  accounting  for  receipts  and
disbursements. For purposes of government accounting, a "fund" is an independent
fiscal and accounting entity  with a self-balancing  set of accounts,  recording
cash  and/or other resources together with all related liabilities and equities.
In the  Commonwealth,  over  120  funds have  been  established  by  legislative
enactment  or  in certain  cases  by administrative  action  for the  purpose of
recording the receipts and disbursement of moneys received by the  Commonwealth.
Annual budgets are adopted each fiscal year for the principal operating funds of
the  Commonwealth  and several  other  special revenue  funds.  Expenditures and
encumbrances against  these funds  may only  be made  pursuant to  appropriation
measures  enacted  by the  General Assembly  and approved  by the  Governor. The
General Fund,  the  Commonwealth's  largest fund,  receives  all  tax  revenues,
non-tax  revenues and federal grants and  entitlements that are not specified by
law to be deposited elsewhere. The majority of the Commonwealth's operating  and
administrative  expenses are payable from the  General Fund. Debt service on all
bond indebtedness of the Commonwealth,  except that issued for highway  purposes
or  for the benefit of other special  revenue funds, is payable from the General
Fund.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
    Financial information for the principal operating funds of the  Commonwealth
are maintained on a budgetary basis of accounting, which is used for the purpose
of  ensuring compliance with the enacted operating budget. The Commonwealth also
prepares annual  financial  statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"). Budgetary basis financial reports are based on a
modified  cash basis  of accounting  as opposed to  a modified  accrual basis of
accounting prescribed  by  GAAP. Financial  information  is adjusted  at  fiscal
year-end  to reflect appropriate accruals  for financial reporting in conformity
with GAAP.
 
    RECENT FINANCIAL  RESULTS--From fiscal  1984,  when the  Commonwealth  first
prepared  its financial  statements on  a GAAP  basis, through  fiscal 1989, the
Commonwealth reported a  positive unreserved-undesignated fund  balance for  its
governmental  fund types at each fiscal year end. Slowing economic growth during
1990, leading to a national economic recession beginning in fiscal 1991, reduced
revenue  growth  and   increased  expenditures  and   contributed  to   negative
unreserved-undesignated  fund balances  at the end  of the 1990  and 1991 fiscal
years. At the end  of fiscal 1990 and  fiscal 1991, the  unreserved-undesignated
fund  balance was  a negative  $205.8 million  and a  negative $1,189.2 million,
respectively, a drop of  $579.6 million and  $983.4 million, respectively,  from
the year-earlier amounts. The decline in the fiscal 1990 unreserved-undesignated
fund  balance  for government  fund types  was  largely the  result of  a $718.2
million operating  deficit in  the  General Fund  which  caused the  total  fund
balance  of the General  Fund to fall to  a negative $119.8  million at June 30,
1990. The decline in  the fiscal 1991  unreserved-undesignated fund balance  was
principally  the  result of  operating deficits  of  $1,076.6 million  and $66.2
million, respectively, in the General Fund and the State Lottery Fund.
 
    Rising  demands  on  state  programs  caused  by  the  economic   recession,
particularly  for  medical  assistance  and cash  assistance  programs,  and the
increased costs  of special  education programs  and correction  facilities  and
programs,  contributed  to  increased  expenditures in  fiscal  1991,  while tax
revenues for  the  1991 fiscal  year  were  severely affected  by  the  economic
recession.  Total corporation tax receipts and sales and use tax receipts during
fiscal 1991  were,  respectively, 7.3  percent  and 0.9  percent  below  amounts
collected during fiscal 1990. Personal income tax receipts also were affected by
the  recession but  not to  the extent  of the  other major  General Fund taxes,
increasing only 2.0 percent over fiscal 1990 collections.
 
    The Commonwealth experienced a $454 million  general fund deficit as of  the
end  of  its 1991  fiscal year.  The  deficit reflected  below-estimate economic
activity  and  growth  rates  of  economic  indicators  and  total  tax  revenue
shortfalls  of $817  million (4.1  percent) below  those assumed  in the enacted
budget. Economic conditions  also affected  expenditure trends  during the  1991
fiscal  year, with  expenditures for  medical assistance  costs and  other human
service programs  running  $512 million  above  estimates assumed  in  the  1991
budget.  In January  1991, the  Commonwealth initiated  a number  of cost-saving
measures, including the firing of  2,000 state employees, deferral of  paychecks
and  reduction of funds  to state universities,  which resulted in approximately
$871 million cost savings.
 
    Actions taken during fiscal 1992 to bring the General Fund budget back  into
balance,  including tax increases and expenditure  restraints resulted in a $1.1
billion reduction  for the  unreserved-undesignated  fund deficit  for  combined
governmental  fund types and a return to  a positive fund balance. Total general
fund revenues for fiscal 1992 were $14,516.8 million, which is approximately  22
percent higher than fiscal 1991 revenues of $11,877.3
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
million  due  in large  part  to tax  increases.  The increased  revenues funded
substantial increases in education, social services and corrections programs. As
a result of  the tax  increases and  certain appropriation  lapses, fiscal  1992
ended  with  an $8.8  million  surplus after  having  started the  year  with an
unappropriated balance deficit of $454 million.
 
    Financial performance continued to improve during fiscal 1993 resulting in a
positive unreserved-undesignated balance for combined governmental fund types at
June 30, 1993, as a  result of a $420.4 million  increase in the balance.  These
gains were produced by continued efforts to control expenditures growth.
 
    FISCAL 1993 BUDGET--On June 30, 1992, the Pennsylvania legislature presented
the  Governor with  a $14.126  billion general fund  budget for  the 1993 fiscal
year, which  began on  July 1,  1992. Before  signing the  budget, the  Governor
deleted  approximately $73 million in certain  state expenditures such as aid to
county courts and district justices. As a result, the budget for the 1993 fiscal
year was approximately $14.046 billion, which is approximately $105 million more
than the fiscal 1992 budget. On February 9, 1993, the Governor announced that he
anticipated that the 1993 budget  would be in balance at  the end of the  fiscal
year.
 
    FISCAL  1994 BUDGET--On  May 28, 1993,  the Governor signed  a $14.9 billion
general fund budget, an increase of  approximately five percent from the  fiscal
1993  budget.  A substantial  amount  of the  increase  is targeted  for medical
assistance programs and prisons.
 
    FISCAL 1995 BUDGET--On June  16, 1994, the Governor  signed a $15.7  billion
general  fund budget,  an increase  of over  5% from  the Fiscal  1994 budget. A
substantial amount of the increase is targeted for human services and prisons.
 
    DEBT LIMITS AND OUTSTANDING DEBT--The Pennsylvania Constitution permits  the
issuance  of the following types  of debt: (i) debt  to suppress insurrection or
rehabilitate areas affected  by disaster; (ii)  electorate approved debt;  (iii)
debt for capital projects subject to an aggregate outstanding debt limit of 1.75
times  the annual average tax  revenues of the preceding  five fiscal years; and
(iv) tax anticipation notes payable in the fiscal year of issuance.
 
    Under the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code, the Auditor General is required annually
to certify  to  the  Governor  and  the  General  Assembly  certain  information
regarding  the Commonwealth's indebtedness. According to the most recent Auditor
General certificate, the average annual tax  revenues deposited in all funds  in
the  five fiscal years ended June 30, 1993 was $14.5 billion, and therefore, the
net debt limitation for the 1994  fiscal year is $27.1 billion. Outstanding  net
debt  totaled $4.0 billion  at June 30,  1993, a decrease  of $42.2 million from
June 30, 1992. At February 28, 1994, the amount of debt authorized by law to  be
issued, but not yet incurred was $15.0 billion.
 
    DEBT  RATINGS--All outstanding general obligation  bonds of the Commonwealth
are rated AA- by S&P and A1 by Moody's.
 
    CITY OF  PHILADELPHIA--The  City of  Philadelphia  experienced a  series  of
general  fund deficits for fiscal years  1988 through 1992 which have culminated
in the City's present serious financial difficulties. In its 1992  Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report, Philadelphia reported a cumulative general fund deficit
of $71.4 million for fiscal year 1992.
 
    In  June  1991, the  Pennsylvania  legislature established  the Pennsylvania
Intergovernmental Cooperation  Authority  ("PICA"), a  five-member  board  which
oversees  the  fiscal  affairs  of the  City  of  Philadelphia.  The Legislation
empowers PICA  to issue  notes and  bonds on  behalf of  Philadelphia, and  also
authorizes  Philadelphia to levy  a one-percent sales tax  the proceeds of which
would  be  used   to  pay   off  the  bonds.   In  return   for  PICA's   fiscal
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
assistance,  Philadelphia  is  required,  among  other  things,  to  establish a
five-year financial  plans  that  include balanced  annual  budgets.  Under  the
legislation,  if Philadelphia does  not comply with  such requirements, PICA may
withhold bond revenues and certain state funding.
 
    In May 1992,  the city counsel  of Philadelphia approved  the Mayor's  first
five-year  plan and  adopted a fiscal  1993 budget.  On June 5,  1992, PICA sold
approximately $480 million in bonds at yields ranging from 5.25 percent to  6.88
percent.  The proceeds  of the bonds  were used to  cover shortfalls accumulated
over fiscal years 1988  through 1991, projected deficits  for fiscal years  1992
and  1993, construction projects  and other capital  expenditures. In accordance
with the enabling legislation, PICA was guaranteed a percentage of the wage  tax
revenue expected to be collected from Philadelphia residents to permit repayment
of the bonds.
 
    In  January 1993, Philadelphia anticipated  a cumulative general fund budget
deficit of $57 million for the 1993 fiscal year. In response to the  anticipated
deficit,  the Mayor unveiled a financial plan eliminating the budget deficit for
the 1993 budget year  through significant service cuts  that included a plan  to
privatize  certain city  provided services. Due  to an upsurge  in tax receipts,
cost-cutting and  additional PICA  borrowings, Philadelphia  completed the  1993
fiscal year with a balanced general fund budget.
 
    In  January 1994, the Mayor proposed a $2.3 billion city general fund budget
that included no  tax increases,  no significant service  cuts and  a series  of
modest  health  and welfare  program  increases. At  that  time, the  Mayor also
unveiled a $2.2 billion program  (the "Philadelphia Economic Stimulus  Program")
designed  to stimulate Philadelphia's economy and stop  the loss of 1,000 jobs a
month. However, the success  of the Philadelphia  Economic Stimulus Program  has
been predicated upon several contingencies including, among others, $250 million
in  revenues from riverboat gambling over the next three years, which first must
be approved by the state legislature,  and $100 million in federal  "empowerment
zone"  subsidies, which Philadelphia may or may not receive. As of January 1994,
the 1994  general fund  budget was  running at  a deficit  of approximately  $10
million.  The Mayor has predicted that the  general fund will be balanced by the
end of the 1994 fiscal year.
 
    The Standard & Poor's Corporation rating on Philadelphia general  obligation
bonds is "BB." The Moody's Investors Service rating is currently "Ba."
 
    LITIGATION--The  Commonwealth is  a party to  numerous lawsuits  in which an
adverse final decision could  materially affect the Commonwealth's  governmental
operations  and consequently its ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
The Commonwealth also faces tort claims  made possible by the limited waiver  of
sovereign immunity effected by Act 152, approved September 28, 1978.
 
PENNSYLVANIA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1994 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax  rates currently available and scheduled to  be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. The  tables illustrate what  you
would  have to  earn on  taxable investments  to equal  the tax-exempt estimated
current return for your income tax bracket. A
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
taxpayer's marginal tax  rate is  affected by both  his taxable  income and  his
adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable income (which
is  your adjusted gross  income reduced by any  deductions and exemptions), then
locate your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to  the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross      State* and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 38.0 $     0-111.8      17.5   %     5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88
    38.0- 91.9       0-111.8      30.0         6.79    7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29
                 111.8-167.7      31.0         6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97    8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42
    91.9-140.0       0-111.8      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
                 111.8-167.7      34.0         7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85
                 167.7-290.2      36.0         7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
   140.0-250.0   111.8-167.7      39.0         7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
                 167.7-290.2      41.5         8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
                  Over 290.2      39.0   2     7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
    Over 250.0   167.7-290.2      45.5         8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
                  Over 290.2      42.5   3     8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Federal
    Federal      Adjusted      Combined
    Taxable        Gross      State* and                   Tax-Exempt Estimated Current Return
    Income        Income        Federal       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000's)     (1,000's)     Tax Rate1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 22.8 $     0-111.8      17.5         5.76    6.06    6.36    6.67    6.97    7.27    7.58    7.88
    22.8- 55.1       0-111.8      30.0         6.79    7.14    7.50    7.86    8.21    8.57    8.93    9.29
    55.1-115.0       0-111.8      33.0         7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
                 111.8-234.3      34.5         7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92
   115.0-250.0   111.8-234.3      39.5         7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
                  Over 234.3      39.0   2     7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
    Over 250.0    Over 234.3      42.5   3     8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
<FN>
- ------------------
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on  itemized deductions and the deduction for personal exemptions. They
were designed to phase out certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect,  raise
the  current maximum marginal Federal tax rate to approximately 44.0  percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to  approximately 41.0 percent for  taxpayers filing a single return  entitled to only one  personal
exemption.  These limitations are  subject to certain maximums,  which depend on  the number of exemptions  claimed and the total
amount of the taxpayer's itemized  deductions. For example, the  limitation on itemized deductions will  not cause a taxpayer  to
lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
      2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
</TABLE>
 
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials  compare the then  current estimated returns  on
the Trust and returns over specified periods on other similar Nuveen Trusts with
returns  on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank
CD's and  money  market  accounts or  money  market  funds, each  of  which  has
investment  characteristics  that  may  differ from  those  of  the  Trust. U.S.
Government bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of  the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of  the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds provide
stability of principal, but pay interest  at rates that vary with the  condition
of  the short-term debt market. The  investment characteristics of the Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
   
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
Schedule of Investments at Date of Deposit
August 16, 1994
PENNSYLVANIA INSURED TRUST 185
(Series 746)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's      Price(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       452,065
                   Authority (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania),
                   University Revenue and Refunding Bonds
                   (Duquesne University Project), Series A of
                   1993, 5.50% Due 9/1/20.
    500,000      Berks County Municipal Authority                    2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             489,950
                   (Pennsylvania), Hospital Revenue Bonds (The
                   Reading Hospital and Medical Center Project),
                   Series B of 1994, 6.10% Due 10/1/23.
    500,000      Dauphin County General Authority, Hospital          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             447,055
                   Revenue Bonds, HAPSCO Group, Inc. Tax-Exempt
                   Loan Program (The Western Pennsylvania
                   Hospital Project), Fixed Rate Bonds, 1993
                   Series A-1, 5.50% Due 7/1/23.
    500,000      Delaware County Authority (Pennsylvania),           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             438,495
                   Health Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 1993A
                   (Mercy Health Corporation Of Southeastern
                   Pennsylvania Obligated Group), 5.375% Due
                   11/15/23. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about December 30, 1993 at a
                   price of 94.67% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority,     2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             441,845
                   Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   1994 Series A (Pennsylvania Power & Light
                   Company Project), 5.50% Due 2/15/27.
    500,000      Northampton County Higher Education Authority       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             487,290
                   (Pennsylvania), University Revenue Bonds,
                   Series of 1994 (Lehigh University), 6.00% Due
                   10/15/19. (When issued.)
    500,000     * City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, General          2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa             491,635
                   Obligation Bonds, Series 1994A, 6.00% Due
                   9/1/13. (When issued.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,248,335
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 45.
 
   
* These Bonds,  or a  portion thereof,  have delivery  dates beyond  the  normal
  settlement  date. Their expected  delivery date is  August 31, 1994. Contracts
  relating to  Bonds  with delivery  dates  after  the date  of  settlement  for
  purchase  made  on the  Date of  Deposit constitute  approximately 14%  of the
  aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See Section 4.)
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS
 
    (1) Contracts,  which  are  "when-issued"  or  "regular  way"  contracts  or
        contracts having delivery dates beyond the normal settlement date,  have
        been  deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The performance
        of such contracts is secured by an irrevocable letter of credit,  issued
        by  a major commercial bank, which  has been deposited with the Trustee.
        At the Date  of Deposit, Bonds  may have been  delivered to the  Sponsor
        pursuant  to certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the
        Trustee all of its right, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
    (2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and  at
        the  prices, shown.  Unless otherwise  indicated, the  Bonds, except for
        Bonds issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at
        declining prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original
        issue  discount  bonds,  including  zero  coupon  bonds,  are  generally
        redeemable  at  prices  based on  the  issue  price plus  the  amount of
        original issue discount accreted to redemption plus, if applicable, some
        premium, the amount of which will decline in subsequent years. The Bonds
        may also be subject to sinking fund redemption without premium prior  to
        the dates shown.
 
        Certain  Bonds may be subject to redemption without premium prior to the
        date shown  pursuant  to  special  or  mandatory  call  provisions;  for
        example,  if bond proceeds are not able  to be used as contemplated, the
        project is condemned or sold, or the project is destroyed and  insurance
        proceeds  are used to  redeem the bonds.  Single family mortgage revenue
        bonds and housing authority bonds are  most likely to be called  subject
        to  such provisions, but other bonds may have similar call features. See
        Section 4 and "General Trust Information" in this Section.
 
        The Trustee's determination of the offering prices of Bonds in the  Fund
        may  be  greater or  less than  the  amounts that  may be  received upon
        redemption or  maturity  of  such Bonds.  Subject  to  rules  concerning
        amortization  of bond  premium and of  original issue  discount, gain or
        loss realized  by  the Trustee  on  disposition  of any  Bonds  will  be
        recognized  as taxable capital gain or loss by Unitholders. (See Section
        4.)
 
    (3) See "Description  of  Ratings" herein.  All  the Bonds  in  the  Insured
        Trusts,  as insured by the  Insurer, are rated AAA  by Standard & Poor's
        Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (See Section 5.)
 
    (4) As determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services on behalf of the  Trustee
        as  of the close of  business on the business  day preceding the Date of
        Deposit. The prices as determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services  have
        been rounded to the nearest dollar.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     TO  THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF JOHN  NUVEEN  & CO.  INCORPORATED AND
     UNITHOLDERS OF NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 746:
    
 
   
       We have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and  the
     related  schedules of investments at date  of deposit (included in the
     prospectus  herein)  of  Nuveen  Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust,  Series  746
     (comprising  North Carolina  Traditional Trust  279, New  York Insured
     Trust 221, Ohio Insured Trust 117 and Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185),
     as  of  August   16,  1994.   These  financial   statements  are   the
     responsibility  of the  Sponsor. Our  responsibility is  to express an
     opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
    
 
       We conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
     auditing  standards. Those standards require  that we plan and perform
     the audit to obtain reasonable  assurance about whether the  financial
     statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit includes
     examining, on  a  test  basis, evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and
     disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  Our  procedures included
     confirmation of the irrevocable letter  of credit arrangement for  the
     purchase  of securities,  described in Note  (1) to  the statements of
     condition, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also  includes
     assessing  the  accounting principles  used and  significant estimates
     made by  the Sponsor,  as  well as  evaluating the  overall  financial
     statement   presentation.  We  believe  that   our  audits  provide  a
     reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
       In  our  opinion,  the  statements  of  condition  and  the  related
     schedules  of investments at date of deposit referred to above present
     fairly, in all material  respects, the financial  position of each  of
     the  trusts constituting the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 746
     as  of  August  16,  1994,  in  conformity  with  generally   accepted
     accounting principles.
    
 
                                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     August 16, 1994.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 746
    
   
(North Carolina Traditional Trust 279, New York Insured Trust 221, Ohio Insured
                 Trust 117 and Pennsylvania Insured Trust 185)
    
   
                             As of August 16, 1994
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          North Carolina         New York              Ohio            Pennsylvania
                                            Traditional           Insured             Insured             Insured
    TRUST PROPERTY                           Trust 279           Trust 221           Trust 117           Trust 185
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-
 Exempt Bonds, backed by an irrevocable
 letter of credit(1)(2).................  $     3,271,833     $     3,271,772     $     3,396,187     $     3,248,335
Accrued interest to August 16, 1994 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           35,909              27,180              31,004              29,224
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,307,742     $     3,298,952     $     3,427,191     $     3,277,559
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
Liability:
    Accrued interest to August 16, 1994
      on underlying Bonds(3)............  $        35,909     $        27,180     $        31,004     $        29,224
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Interest of Unitholders:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (North
      Carolina Traditional Trust 279
      --35,000; New York Insured Trust
      221--35,000; Ohio Insured Trust
      117--35,000; Pennsylvania Insured
      Trust 185--35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $     3,440,398     $     3,440,334     $     3,571,159     $     3,415,689
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (168,565)           (168,562)           (174,972)           (167,354)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     3,271,833     $     3,271,772     $     3,396,187     $     3,248,335
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     3,307,742     $     3,298,952     $     3,427,191     $     3,277,559
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(1)  Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include "when  issued" or "regular  way" or "delayed delivery"
    contracts for which an irrevocable letter of  credit issued by a major commercial  bank has been deposited with the  Trustee.
    The  amount of such letter of credit and  any cash deposited exceeds the amount necessary  for the purchase of the Bonds plus
    accrued interest to the Date of  Deposit. At the Date of  Deposit, Bonds may have been  delivered to the Sponsor pursuant  to
    certain  of these contracts; the  Sponsor has assigned to  the Trustee all of  its rights, title and  interest in and to such
    Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date  of Deposit of the Bonds listed under "Schedules of Investments"  herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the  timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts has been obtained by the
    Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of  the
    Units.  Both the bid and the offering prices of the underlying  Bonds and of the Units may include value attributable to such
    policies of insurance.
(3) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(4) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(5) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof  in the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case  of
    Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% in the case  of Short Intermediate Trusts and  2.50% in the case of  Short Term Trusts. In single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION
 
    RISK FACTORS.
 
    An  investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks that such an investment may  entail. These include the ability of  the
issuer,  or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest and
principal when due, the  effects of changes in  interest rates generally,  early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set  forth  in the  portfolio  summaries above,  the  Trusts may  contain  or be
concentrated in one or more of the types of bonds discussed below. The following
paragraphs discuss certain circumstances which may adversely affect the  ability
of  issuers  of Bonds  held  in the  portfolio  of a  Trust  to make  payment of
principal and interest thereon or which may adversely affect the ratings of such
Bonds; with  respect  to  Insured  Trusts, however,  because  of  the  insurance
obtained  by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds, such changes should not
adversely affect  an Insured  Trust's  receipt of  principal and  interest,  the
Standard  & Poor's AAA or Moody's Aaa ratings  of the Bonds in the Insured Trust
portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of each such Insured
Trust. For  economic risks  specific  to the  individual Trusts,  see  "Economic
Factors" for each Trust.
 
    HEALTH  FACILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of  the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of  issuers whose  revenues are  derived from  services provided  by
hospitals  or other health care facilities,  including nursing homes. Ratings of
bonds issued  for health  care  facilities are  sometimes based  on  feasibility
studies  that contain projections of occupancy  levels, revenues and expenses. A
facility's gross  receipts and  net income  available for  debt service  may  be
affected  by future events and conditions  including, among other things, demand
for services, the ability of the  facility to provide the services required,  an
increasing  shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing salaries,
physicians'  confidence  in  the  facility,  management  capabilities,  economic
developments  in  the service  area, competition  from other  similar providers,
efforts by  insurers  and  governmental agencies  to  limit  rates,  legislation
establishing  state rate-setting agencies,  expenses, government regulation, the
cost and possible unavailability of  malpractice insurance, and the  termination
or  restriction of governmental financial  assistance, including that associated
with Medicare, Medicaid and other  similar third party payor programs.  Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on  a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare program and thereby may have an  adverse effect on the ability of  such
institutions  to satisfy  debt service requirements.  In the event  of a default
upon a bond  secured by hospital  facilities, the limited  alternative uses  for
such  facilities may result  in the recovery upon  such collateral not providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.
 
    Certain hospital  bonds  provide for  redemption  at par  upon  the  damage,
destruction  or  condemnation of  the hospital  facilities  or in  other special
circumstances.
 
    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the Bonds  in a Trust  may be obligations  of
issuers  whose revenues  are primarily  derived from  mortgage loans  to housing
projects for  low  to  moderate  income  families.  Such  issues  are  generally
characterized  by mandatory redemption at par or,  in the case of original issue
discount bonds, accreted  value in  the event of  economic defaults  and in  the
event of a failure of the operator of a project to comply with certain covenants
as  to the  operation of  the project.  The failure  of such  operator to comply
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
with certain  covenants related  to the  tax-exempt status  of interest  on  the
Bonds,  such as  provisions requiring  that a  specified percentage  of units be
rented or available for rental to  low or moderate income families,  potentially
could cause interest on such Bonds to be subject to Federal income taxation from
the  date of  issuance of the  Bonds. The ability  of such issuers  to make debt
service payments will be  affected by events  and conditions affecting  financed
projects,  including,  among other  things, the  achievement and  maintenance of
sufficient occupancy levels  and adequate rental  income, employment and  income
conditions  prevailing in local labor markets, increases in taxes, utility costs
and other  operating  expenses,  the managerial  ability  of  project  managers,
changes  in laws and  governmental regulations, the  appropriation of subsidies,
and social and economic  trends affecting the localities  in which the  projects
are  located. Occupancy  of such housing  projects may be  adversely affected by
high rent  levels  and  income  limitations  imposed  under  Federal  and  state
programs.
 
    SINGLE  FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS.  Some of  the Bonds in a Trust may be
single family  mortgage revenue  bonds,  which are  issued  for the  purpose  of
acquiring  from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate income. Mortgage  loans are generally  partially or completely  prepaid
prior  to their  final maturities  as a  result of  events such  as sale  of the
mortgaged premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these  bonds
are  subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their  ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from  the failure  of the  originating financial  institutions to  make mortgage
loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The redemption price
of such  issues may  be more  or less  than the  offering price  of such  bonds.
Additionally,  unusually high rates of default  on the underlying mortgage loans
may reduce revenues  available for the  payment of principal  of or interest  on
such  mortgage revenue bonds. Single family  mortgage revenue bonds issued after
December 31, 1980 were issued under Section 103A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1954, as amended, or  Section 143 of  the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986,  which
Sections  contain certain  requirements relating to  the use of  the proceeds of
such bonds in  order for the  interest on  such bonds to  retain its  tax-exempt
status.  In each  case, the issuer  of the  bonds has covenanted  to comply with
applicable requirements and bond  counsel to such issuer  has issued an  opinion
that  the interest on the bonds is exempt from Federal income tax under existing
laws  and  regulations.  There  can   be  no  assurance  that  such   continuing
requirements  will be  satisfied; the  failure to  meet such  requirements could
cause interest on the Bonds to  be subject to Federal income taxation,  possibly
from the date of issuance of the Bonds.
 
    FEDERALLY  ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS.   Some  of the  mortgages which  secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously  discussed
Health  Facility, Housing, and  Single Family Mortgage  Revenue Obligations (the
"Obligations") in a Trust may be  insured by the Federal Housing  Administration
("FHA").  Under FHA  regulations, the  maximum insurable  mortgage amount cannot
exceed 90%  of  the FHA's  estimated  value of  the  project. The  FHA  mortgage
insurance  does not constitute a guarantee of timely payment of the principal of
and interest on the Obligations. Payment  of mortgage insurance benefits may  be
(1)  less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or (2) delayed if
disputes arise as to  the amount of  the payment or if  certain notices are  not
given
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
to  the  FHA  within the  prescribed  time  periods. In  addition,  some  of the
previously discussed Obligations may be secured by mortgage-backed  certificates
guaranteed  by the Government  National Mortgage Association  ("GNMA"), a wholly
owned corporate  instrumentality  of  the  United  States,  and/or  the  Federal
National   Mortgage  Association  ("Fannie  Mae")   a  federally  chartered  and
stockholder-owed corporation. GNMA  and Fannie Mae  guarantee timely payment  of
principal  and  interest on  the  mortgage-backed certificates,  even  where the
underlying  mortgage  payments   are  not  made.   While  such   mortgage-backed
certificates  are often pledged  to secure payment of  principal and interest on
the Obligations, timely payment of interest and principal on the Obligations  is
not  insured or guaranteed by  the United States, GNMA,  Fannie Mae or any other
governmental agency or  instrumentality. The  GNMA mortgage-backed  certificates
constitute  a general obligation of  the United States backed  by its full faith
and credit. The obligations of Fannie  Mae, including its obligations under  the
Fannie  Mae mortgage-backed securities, are obligations solely of Fannie Mae and
are not backed  by, or  entitled to,  the full faith  and credit  of the  United
States.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may be
industrial revenue bonds  ("IRBs"), including pollution  control revenue  bonds,
which  are  tax-exempt  securities  issued  by  states,  municipalities,  public
authorities or similar entities to  finance the cost of acquiring,  constructing
or improving various industrial projects. These projects are usually operated by
corporate entities. Issuers are obligated only to pay amounts due on the IRBs to
the  extent that funds are available from the unexpended proceeds of the IRBs or
receipts or revenues of the issuer  under an arrangement between the issuer  and
the  corporate operator of  a project. The arrangement  may be in  the form of a
lease, installment sale agreement, conditional sale agreement or loan agreement,
but in each case  the payments to  the issuer are designed  to be sufficient  to
meet  the payments  of amounts  due on  the IRBs.  Regardless of  the structure,
payment of IRBs is solely dependent  upon the creditworthiness of the  corporate
operator  of  the project  and,  if applicable,  corporate  guarantor. Corporate
operators or  guarantors may  be affected  by  many factors  which may  have  an
adverse  impact on  the credit  quality of  the particular  company or industry.
These include cyclicality of revenues and earnings, regulatory and environmental
restrictions, litigation  resulting  from  accidents  or  environmentally-caused
illnesses,  extensive competition  and financial deterioration  resulting from a
corporate restructuring pursuant to a leveraged buy-out, takeover or  otherwise.
Such  a restructuring may  result in the  operator of a  project becoming highly
leveraged which may have an impact on such operator's creditworthiness which  in
turn  would have  an adverse impact  on the  rating and/or market  value of such
Bonds. Further, the  possibility of  such a  restructuring may  have an  adverse
impact  on the market for and consequently  the value of such Bonds, even though
no actual takeover or other action is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs in
a Trust may be subject to  special or extraordinary redemption provisions  which
may  provide for redemption  at par or,  in the case  of original issue discount
bonds, accreted value. The  Sponsor cannot predict the  causes or likelihood  of
the redemption of IRBs in a Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.
 
    ELECTRIC  UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers  whose revenues are  primarily derived from  the sale  of
electric  energy. The problems  faced by such issuers  include the difficulty in
obtaining approval for timely  and adequate rate  increases from the  applicable
public  utility  commissions,  the difficulty  of  financing  large construction
programs, increased competition, reductions in estimates of
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
future demand for electricity in certain  areas of the country, the  limitations
on  operations  and increased  costs  and delays  attributable  to environmental
considerations, the difficulty of the capital market in absorbing utility  debt,
the  difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable  prices and the effect of energy
conservation. All  of  such issuers  have  been experiencing  certain  of  these
problems   in  varying  degrees.  In  addition,  Federal,  state  and  municipal
governmental authorities  may from  time  to time  review existing,  and  impose
additional,  regulations governing the licensing,  construction and operation of
nuclear power plants, which may adversely  affect the ability of the issuers  of
certain of the Bonds in a Trust to make payments of principal and/or interest on
such Bonds.
 
    TRANSPORTATION  FACILITY REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which  are payable from and  secured by revenues  derived
from  the ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and ports.
The major portion of  an airport's gross operating  income is generally  derived
from  fees received  from airlines pursuant  to use agreements  which consist of
annual payments for airport  use, occupancy of  certain terminal space,  service
fees  and  leases. Airport  operating income  may therefore  be affected  by the
ability of the airlines to meet their obligations under the use agreements.  The
air  transport industry is  experiencing significant variations  in earnings and
traffic,  due  to  increased  competition,  excess  capacity,  increased  costs,
deregulation,  traffic constraints and  other factors, and  several airlines are
experiencing severe financial difficulties.  In particular, facilities with  use
agreements involving airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a
reduction  in revenue due  to the possible  inability of these  airlines to meet
their use  agreement  obligations because  of  such financial  difficulties  and
possible  bankruptcy.  The Sponsor  cannot  predict what  effect  these industry
conditions may have on airport revenues  which are dependent for payment on  the
financial  condition of the  airlines and their usage  of the particular airport
facility. Bonds that are secured primarily by the revenue collected by a  public
transit  system  typically are  additionally secured  by a  pledge of  sales tax
receipts collected  at  the state  or  local  level, or  of  other  governmental
financial assistance. Transit system net revenues will be affected by variations
in  utilization,  which  in  turn  may  be  affected  by  the  degree  of  local
governmental subsidization, demographic and  population shifts, and  competition
from  other forms  of transportation;  and by  increased costs,  including costs
resulting from previous deferrals of maintenance. Port authorities derive  their
revenues  primarily from fees imposed on ships using the facilities. The rate of
utilization of such facilities may fluctuate depending on the local economy  and
on  competition from  competing forms  of transportation  such as  air, rail and
trucks.
 
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE  OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the  Bonds in a  Trust may  be
obligations  of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of water and/or
sewerage services. Such Bonds are generally payable from user fees. The problems
of such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  timely  and  adequate  rate
increases,  population decline resulting in  decreased user fees, the difficulty
of financing  large construction  programs, the  limitations on  operations  and
increased  costs and  delays attributable  to environmental  considerations, the
increasing difficulty of obtaining or  discovering new supplies of fresh  water,
the  effect  of  conservation  programs and  the  impact  of  "no-growth" zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.
 
    UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS.  Some of  the Bonds in a  Trust
may  be obligations  of issuers  which are,  or which  govern the  operation of,
colleges and universities and  whose revenues are  derived mainly from  tuition,
dormitory revenues, grants and
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
endowments. General problems of such issuers include the prospect of a declining
percentage  of the population consisting  of "college" age individuals, possible
inability to raise tuitions and  fees sufficiently to cover increased  operating
costs, the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding,
and  government  legislation  or  regulations  which  may  adversely  affect the
revenues or costs of  such issuers. All of  such issuers have been  experiencing
certain of these problems in varying degrees.
 
    BRIDGE AUTHORITY AND TOLLROAD OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be  obligations  of issuers  which derive  their payments  from bridge,  road or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative  modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in  the availability of fuel to motorists  or significant increases in the costs
thereof. Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of  vehicles
in  the New  York City  metropolitan area may  adversely affect  revenues of the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED  BONDS.    Some of  the  Bonds  in a  Trust  may  be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated  source, which revenues are pledged  to secure the bonds. The various
types of  Bonds described  below differ  in structure  and with  respect to  the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported  Bond has distinct risks, only some  of which are set forth below. One
type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax  received
on  either real property or on  sales within a specifically defined geographical
area; such  tax  generally will  not  provide bondholders  with  a lien  on  the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured  by a special tax levied on  real property within a defined geographical
area in such  a manner  that the tax  is levied  on those who  benefit from  the
project;  such bonds  typically provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying
property for unpaid taxes. A third  type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may  be
secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities
or  upon the license to pursue  certain occupations or upon corporate privileges
within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the ability  of
the  designated revenues to satisfy the  interest and principal payments on such
bonds may be affected by changes in the local economy, the financial success  of
the  enterprise  responsible for  the payment  of  the taxes,  the value  of any
property on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in
a timely fashion. Each  of these factors  will have a  different affect on  each
distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations that
are  secured  by lease  payments  of a  governmental  entity. Such  payments are
normally subject to  annual budget  appropriations of  the leasing  governmental
entity.  A governmental  entity that enters  into such a  lease agreement cannot
obligate future  governments to  appropriate  for and  make lease  payments  but
covenants  to take such action as is necessary to include any lease payments due
in its budgets and to make the appropriations therefor. A governmental  entity's
failure to appropriate for and to make payments under its lease obligation could
result  in insufficient funds  available for payment  of the obligations secured
thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL ISSUE  DISCOUNT BONDS  AND STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS.   Certain of  the
Bonds  in a Trust may be original  issue discount bonds. These Bonds were issued
with nominal  interest rates  less than  the rates  then offered  by  comparable
securities and as a consequence were
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
originally  sold at a  discount from their  face, or par,  values. This original
issue discount,  the difference  between  the initial  purchase price  and  face
value,  is deemed under current  law to accrue on a  daily basis and the accrued
portion is  treated  as  tax-exempt  interest  income  for  federal  income  tax
purposes.  On sale or redemption, gain, if any, realized in excess of the earned
portion of original issue discount will be taxable as capital gain. See "What is
the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value of an original issue  discount
bond  reflects the  present value of  its face  amount at maturity.  In a stable
interest rate environment, the market value  of an original issue discount  bond
would  tend to increase more slowly in  early years and in greater increments as
the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain of the original issue discount bonds  in a Trust may be zero  coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the  buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
of the bond at its maturity. The effect  of owning a zero coupon bond is that  a
fixed  yield is earned not only on  the original investment but also, in effect,
on all  discount  earned  during  the life  of  the  obligation.  This  implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest  the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit yield,
but at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at  higher
rates  in  the  future.  For  this reason,  zero  coupon  bonds  are  subject to
substantially greater  price  fluctuations  during periods  of  changing  market
interest  rates  than are  securities of  comparable  quality that  pay interest
currently.
 
    Original issue discount bonds, including  zero coupon bonds, may be  subject
to  redemption at prices  based on the  issue price plus  the amount of original
issue  discount  accreted  to  redemption   (the  "accreted  value")  plus,   if
applicable,  some premium.  Pursuant to such  call provisions  an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than  its
face  value. See the  "Schedules of Investments" for  more information about the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences of  ownership with  respect to  either the  principal amount  of or  a
payment  of interest on a tax-exempt  obligation. An obligation is "stripped" by
depositing it with  a custodian, which  then effects a  separation in  ownership
between  the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable, and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon  bonds,
as described above.
 
    Each  Stripped Obligation has  been purchased at a  discount from the amount
payable at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue  Code
treats  as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or  the
yield  to maturity on the basis of  the purchase price of the Unitholder's Units
which is allocable to  each Stripped Obligation.  Original issue discount  which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation  to the  same extent  as interest  on the  underlying obligations. (See
Section 11, " What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders".)
 
    Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the  state
and  local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state  and
local taxes, interest on original
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
issue discount bonds or Stripped Obligations may be deemed to be received in the
year of accrual even though there is no corresponding cash payment.
 
4.  COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedules of Investments"
and, thereafter, of  such Bonds as  may continue to  be held from  time to  time
(including  certain securities deposited in the  Trust in substitution for Bonds
not delivered to the Trust or in exchange or substitution for Bonds upon certain
refundings), together  with  accrued  and  undistributed  interest  thereon  and
undistributed cash realized from the disposition of Bonds.
 
    "WHEN-ISSUED"  AND  "DELAYED  DELIVERY"  TRANSACTIONS.    The  contracts  to
purchase Bonds delivered to  the Trustee represent an  obligation by issuers  or
dealers  to deliver Bonds  to the Sponsor  for deposit in  the Trusts. Normally,
"regular way"  contracts are  settled and  the Bonds  delivered to  the  Trustee
within  a relatively  short period  of time.  However, certain  of the contracts
relate to Bonds which have not been issued  as of the Date of Deposit and  which
are  commonly referred to  as "when issued"  or "when, as  and if issued" Bonds.
Although the Sponsor does not believe it  is likely, one or more of the  issuers
of such Bonds might decide not to proceed with such offerings. If such Bonds, or
replacement  bonds described  below, are  not acquired  by a  Trust or  if their
delivery is  delayed, the  Estimated  Current Returns  and Estimated  Long  Term
Returns  shown herein may be reduced. Certain  of the contracts for the purchase
of Bonds provide for delivery dates  after the date of settlement for  purchases
made  on  the Date  of  Deposit. Interest  on  such "when  issued"  and "delayed
delivery" Bonds accrues to the benefit of Unitholders commencing with the  first
settlement  date for the Units. However,  in the opinion of counsel, Unitholders
who purchase their Units prior to the date such Bonds are actually delivered  to
the  Trustee must reduce the  tax basis of their  Units for interest accruing on
such Bonds during the interval between their purchase of Units and the  delivery
of  the Bonds because such amounts constitute a return of principal. As a result
of such adjustment, the  Estimated Current Returns set  forth herein (which  are
based  on the Public Offering Price as of  the business day prior to the Date of
Deposit) may be  slightly lower than  Unitholders will receive  after the  first
year,  assuming the Portfolio does not  change and estimated annual expense does
not vary from that set forth under "Essential Information Regarding the Trusts."
Those Bonds  in each  Trust purchased  with  delivery dates  after the  date  of
settlement  for  purchases made  on  the Date  of Deposit  are  so noted  in the
Schedules of Investments.
 
    LIMITED REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS.   Neither the Sponsor nor the  Trustee
shall  be liable in any way  for any default, failure or  defect in any Bond. In
the event of a failure to deliver any  Bond that has been purchased for a  Trust
under  a contract, including those  Bonds purchased on a  when, as and if issued
basis ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to  direct
the  Trustee to acquire  other specified Bonds ("Replacement  Bonds") to make up
the original corpus of the Trust. The Replacement Bonds must be purchased within
20 days after  delivery of notice  of the failed  contract and the  cost to  the
Trust  (exclusive  of  accrued interest)  may  not  exceed the  amount  of funds
reserved for the purchase  of the Failed Bonds.  The Replacement Bonds (i)  must
satisfy  the criteria previously described for  Bonds originally included in the
Trust and, with respect  to Bonds purchased  for a State  Trust, shall have  the
benefit of an exemption from state taxation of interest to an extent equal to or
greater  than that of  the Bonds they  replace, (ii) must  have a fixed maturity
date after the date of purchase of  not less than approximately 15 years in  the
case  of National or State Trusts, approximately 11  years in the case of a Long
Intermediate Trust, approximately 5 years in  the case of Intermediate or  State
Intermediate  Trusts, approximately 3 years in  the case of a Short Intermediate
Trust and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
approximately 1 year in the case of a  Short Term Trust, but not later than  the
maturity date of the Failed Bonds, (iii) must be acquired at a cost to the Trust
equal  to the cost of the same principal  amount of Bonds provided in the failed
contract and have  a current  return and  yield to  maturity not  less than  the
current  return and yield to maturity of the  Failed Bonds and (iv) shall not be
"when, as and if  issued" Bonds. Whenever a  Replacement Bond has been  acquired
for  a Trust, the  Trustee shall, within  five days after  the delivery thereof,
mail or deliver a  notice of such  acquisition to all  Unitholders of the  Trust
involved.  Once the original corpus  of the Trust is  acquired, the Trustee will
have no power to vary the investment of the Trust; i.e., the Trust will have  no
managerial power to take advantage of market variation to improve a Unitholder's
investment.
 
    To  the extent the right of  limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraph shall not  be utilized  to acquire  Replacement Bonds  for the  entire
principal amount of Failed Bonds, the Sponsor shall refund to all Unitholders of
the  Trust  involved the  sales  charge attributable  to  such Failed  Bonds not
replaced, and  the principal  and accrued  interest attributable  to such  Bonds
shall  be distributed  not more  than 30  days after  the determination  of such
failure or at such earlier time as  the Trustee in its sole discretion deems  to
be  in  the interest  of  the Unitholders.  Any  such accrued  interest  paid to
Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated as
tax-exempt income. In the event Failed Bonds  in a Trust could not be  replaced,
the  Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for such Trust would be reduced and the
Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.
 
    SALE, MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS.  Certain of the Bonds may from  time
to  time  under certain  circumstances be  sold  or redeemed  or will  mature in
accordance with their terms. The proceeds from  such events will be used to  pay
for   Units  redeemed  or   distributed  to  Unitholders   and  not  reinvested;
accordingly, no assurance can be given that  a Trust will retain for any  length
of time its present size and composition.
 
    All  of the Bonds in  each Trust are subject to  being called or redeemed in
whole or  in part  prior to  their stated  maturities pursuant  to the  optional
redemption  provisions described in  the "Schedules of  Investments" and in most
cases pursuant to sinking fund, special or extraordinary redemption  provisions.
A  bond  subject to  optional  call is  one which  is  subject to  redemption or
refunding prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. A refunding is a method
by which a bond issue is redeemed, at  or before maturity, by the proceeds of  a
new  bond  issue. A  bond subject  to sinking  fund redemption  is one  which is
subject to  partial call  from time  to time  from a  fund accumulated  for  the
scheduled  retirement of  a portion  of an issue  prior to  maturity. Special or
extraordinary redemption  provisions may  provide  for redemption  of all  or  a
portion  of an  issue upon  the occurrence  of certain  circumstances related to
defaults or unanticipated changes  in circumstances. Events  that may permit  or
require  the special or extraordinary redemption of bonds include, among others:
substantial damage to or  destruction of the project  for which the proceeds  of
the  bonds were used; exercise by a local, state or federal governmental unit of
its power of eminent domain to take all or substantially all of the project  for
which  the  proceeds of  the bonds  were  used; a  final determination  that the
interest on the bonds  is taxable; changes in  the economic availability of  raw
materials,  operating supplies or  facilities or technological  or other changes
which render the operation of  the project for which  the proceeds of the  bonds
were  used uneconomical; changes in law  or an administrative or judicial decree
which render the performance  of the agreement under  which the proceeds of  the
bonds  were made  available to  finance the  project impossible  or which create
unreasonable burdens or which impose  excessive liabilities, such as taxes,  not
imposed  on the date the bonds are issued on the issuer of the bonds or the user
of the  proceeds  of the  bonds;  an  administrative or  judicial  decree  which
requires  the cessation of a  substantial part of the  operations of the project
financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
an overestimate of the costs of the project to be financed with the proceeds  of
the  bonds resulting in excess proceeds which may be applied to redeem bonds; or
an underestimate of  a source of  funds securing the  bonds resulting in  excess
funds which may be applied to redeem bonds. The Sponsor is unable to predict all
of  the circumstances which may result in  such redemption of an issue of Bonds.
See the discussion of the various  types of bond issues, above, for  information
on  the  call  provisions of  such  bonds, particularly  single  family mortgage
revenue bonds.
 
    The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution of  principal  and may  result  in a  reduction  in the  amount  of
subsequent  interest distributions;  it may  also affect  the current  return on
Units of the Trust involved. Redemption pursuant to optional call provisions  is
more  likely to  occur, and  redemption pursuant to  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions may occur,  when the Bonds have an  offering
side  evaluation which  represents a  premium over  par. Redemption  pursuant to
optional call provisions  may be,  and redemption  pursuant to  sinking fund  or
special or extraordinary redemption provisions is likely to be, at a price equal
to the par value of the bonds without any premium (in the case of original issue
discount  bonds, such redemption is generally to be made at the issue price plus
the amount of original issue discount  accreted to the date of redemption;  such
price  is referred to herein  as "accreted value"). Because  Bonds may have been
valued at prices above or below par value or the then current accreted value  at
the  time Units were  purchased, Unitholders may  realize gain or  loss upon the
redemption of portfolio  Bonds. (See Sections  11 and 13  and the "Schedules  of
Investments.")
 
    CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.   Certain  of  the Bonds  in  each Trust
portfolio may be subject  to continuing requirements such  as the actual use  of
bond proceeds, manner of operation of the project financed from bond proceeds or
rebate  of excess  earnings on  bond proceeds that  may affect  the exemption of
interest on such  Bonds from Federal  income taxation. Although  at the time  of
issuance  of each  of the  Bonds in each  Trust an  opinion of  bond counsel was
rendered as to the exemption of interest on such obligations from Federal income
taxation, and the issuers covenanted  to comply with all requirements  necessary
to retain the tax-exempt status of the Bonds, there can be no assurance that the
respective  issuers  or  other obligors  on  such obligations  will  fulfill the
various continuing  requirements  established  upon issuance  of  the  Bonds.  A
failure to comply with such requirements may cause a determination that interest
on  such  obligations  is  subject  to  Federal  income  taxation,  perhaps even
retroactively from the  date of  issuance of  such Bonds,  thereby reducing  the
value of the Bonds and subjecting Unitholders to unanticipated tax liabilities.
 
    To  the best knowledge of the Sponsor,  there is no litigation pending as of
the Date of Deposit in respect of  any Bonds which might reasonably be  expected
to  have a  material adverse effect  on any of  the Trusts. It  is possible that
after the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds  in
any  Trust. Any  such litigation may  affect the  validity of such  Bonds or the
tax-exempt nature of the interest thereon,  but while the outcome of  litigation
of  such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel to
the issuer of  each Bond  on the  date of issuance  state that  such Bonds  were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
5.  WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS IN INSURED TRUSTS
 
Insurance  guaranteeing  the  timely payment,  when  due, of  all  principal and
interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the  issuers or  underwriters  of Bonds  from  the Municipal  Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation (the "Insurer"). Some of  the Bonds in each Insured  Trust
may  be covered by a policy or policies  of insurance obtained by the issuers or
underwriters of  the  Bonds  from  Municipal  Bond  Insurance  Association  (the
"Association") or Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The Insurer
has  issued a policy or policies of insurance  covering each of the Bonds in the
Insured Trusts, each policy to remain in force until the payment in full of such
Bonds and whether or not the Bonds continue  to be held by an Insured Trust.  By
the  terms  of each  policy the  Insurer will  unconditionally guarantee  to the
holders or owners of the Bonds the payment, when due, required of the issuer  of
the  Bonds of an amount equal  to the principal of and  interest on the Bonds as
such payments shall become due but not be paid (except that in the event of  any
acceleration  of the due  date of principal  by reason of  mandatory or optional
redemption, default or otherwise, the payments  guaranteed will be made in  such
amounts  and  at  such times  as  would have  been  due  had there  not  been an
acceleration). The  Insurer will  be  responsible for  such payments,  less  any
amounts  received by the holders or owners of the Bonds from any trustee for the
bond issuers or  from any other  sources other than  the Insurer. The  Insurer's
policies  relating to small  industrial development bonds  and pollution control
revenue bonds also guarantee the full and complete payments required to be  made
by  or on behalf  of an issuer  of Bonds pursuant  to the terms  of the Bonds if
there occurs an event which results in the loss of the tax-exempt status of  the
interest  on such Bonds,  including principal, interest  or premium payments, if
any, as and when thereby required. The Insurer has indicated that its  insurance
policies  do not insure the payment of  principal or interest on bonds which are
not required to be paid by the issuer thereof because the bonds were not validly
issued; as  indicated  under  "What  is the  Tax  Status  of  Unitholders?"  the
respective  issuing authorities have received  opinions of bond counsel relating
to the valid issuance of each of the Bonds in the Insured Trusts. The  Insurer's
policy  also does not insure against non-payment  of principal of or interest on
the Bonds resulting from the insolvency, negligence or any other act or omission
of the trustee or other paying agent for the Bonds. The policy is not covered by
the Property/ Casualty Insurance  Security Fund specified in  Article 76 of  the
New  York  Insurance Law.  The policies  are  non-cancellable and  the insurance
premiums have been fully paid on or prior to the Date of Deposit, either by  the
Sponsor or, if a policy has been obtained by a Bond issuer, by such issuer.
 
    Upon  notification from  the trustee  for any bond  issuer or  any holder or
owner of the Bonds or coupons that such trustee or paying agent has insufficient
funds to pay any  principal or interest  in full when due,  the Insurer will  be
obligated  to deposit funds  promptly with State Street  Bank and Trust Company,
N.A., New York, New York, as fiscal  agent for the Insurer, sufficient to  fully
cover the deficit. If notice of nonpayment is received on or after the due date,
the  Insurer will provide for payment  within one business day following receipt
of the notice. Upon payment  by the Insurer of  any Bonds, coupons, or  interest
payments,  the Insurer shall succeed  to the rights of  the owner of such Bonds,
coupons or interest payments with respect thereto.
 
    The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New  York
Stock  Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is  not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the  Insurer. The Insurer is  a limited liability  corporation
rather  than a  several liability association.  The Insurer is  domiciled in the
State of New York and licensed to do business in all 50 states, the District  of
Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
    As  of December  31, 1993  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.1 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.1 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $978  million  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of  March 31,  1994, the  Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.2
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $2.2  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $998 million (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.  Copies of the Insurer's year  end financial statements prepared in
accordance with statutory accounting practices  are available from the  Insurer.
The address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504.
 
    Each  insurance company comprising the Association will be severally and not
jointly obligated  under  the Association  policy  in the  following  respective
percentages:  The  AEtna  Casualty  and  Surety  Company,  33%;  Fireman's  Fund
Insurance Company, 30%;  The Travelers Indemnity  Company, 15%; AEtna  Insurance
Company  (now  known  as CIGNA  Property  and  Casualty Company),  12%;  and The
Continental Insurance Company, 10%.  As a several  obligor, each such  insurance
company  will be  obligated only to  the extent  of its percentage  of any claim
under the  Association  policy and  will  not be  obligated  to pay  any  unpaid
obligation  of any  other member  of the  Association. Each  insurance company's
participation is backed by all of its assets. However, each insurance company is
a multiline insurer involved in several lines of insurance other than  municipal
bond  insurance, and the assets of each insurance company also secure all of its
other insurance policy and surety bond obligations.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial information  with
respect  to  the  five  insurance  companies  comprising  the  Association.  The
statistics, which have been furnished by the Association, are as reported by the
insurance  companies  to  the  New  York  State  Insurance  Department  and  are
determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles. No representation
is  made herein as to the accuracy or  adequacy of such information or as to the
absence of material adverse changes in  such information subsequent to the  date
thereof.  In addition,  these numbers  are subject to  revision by  the New York
State Insurance Department which, if revised, could either increase or  decrease
the amounts.
 
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                             AS OF MARCH 31, 1994.
                                (000's omitted)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             New York         New York         New York
                                                             Statutory        Statutory     Policyholders'
                                                              Assets         Liabilities        Surplus
                                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company.....................  $    10,153,304  $     8,324,537   $   1,828,767
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company........................        6,810,274        4,941,644       1,868,630
The Travelers Indemnity Company.........................       10,250,845        8,278,189       1,972,656
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna
  Insurance Company)....................................        5,039,026        4,917,922         121,104
The Continental Insurance Company.......................        2,672,058        2,310,432         361,626
                                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
        Total...........................................  $    34,925,507  $    28,772,724   $   6,152,783
                                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                          ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
    Standard   &  Poor's  Corporation  rates  all  new  issues  insured  by  the
Association "AAA" Prime Grade.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all  bond issues insured by the  Association
"Aaa"  and  short term  loans  "MIG 1",  both designated  to  be of  the highest
quality.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    Each such rating should be evaluated  independently of any other rating.  No
application  has  been  made to  any  other  rating agency  in  order  to obtain
additional ratings  on the  Bonds.  The ratings  reflect the  respective  rating
agency's  current assessment of the creditworthiness  of the Association and its
ability to pay claims on its  policies of insurance. Any further explanation  as
to  the  significance  of  the  above ratings  may  be  obtained  only  from the
applicable rating agency.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all bond issues insured by the Insurer "Aaa"
and short-term loans "MIG 1," both designated to be of the highest quality.
 
    Standard & Poor's  Ratings Group,  a division  of McGraw  Hill ("Standard  &
Poor's") rates all new issues insured by the Insurer "AAA" Prime Grade."
 
    The  Moody's Investors  Service rating  of the  Insurer should  be evaluated
independently of the  Standard & Poor's  Corporation rating of  the Insurer.  No
application  has  been  made to  any  other  rating agency  in  order  to obtain
additional ratings  on the  Bonds.  The ratings  reflect the  respective  rating
agency's  current  assessment of  the creditworthiness  of  the Insurer  and its
ability to  pay  claims  on  its policies  of  insurance  (See  "Description  of
Ratings.")  Any further explanation as to  the significance of the above ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
 
    The above ratings are  not recommendations to buy,  sell or hold the  Bonds,
and  such ratings may  be subject to revision  or withdrawal at  any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both  ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds.
 
    Because  the insurance on the  Bonds will be effective  so long as the Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance  will be taken into  account in determining  the
market  value  of  the  Bonds  and therefore  some  value  attributable  to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts.  The
insurance  does not, however, guarantee the market  value of the Bonds or of the
Units.
 
INSURANCE ON CERTAIN BONDS IN TRADITIONAL TRUSTS
 
    Insurance guaranteeing the timely  payment, when due,  of all principal  and
interest  on certain Bonds in a Traditional  Trust may have been obtained by the
Sponsor, issuer or underwriter  of the particular Bonds  involved or by  another
party.  Such insurance, which  provides coverage substantially  the same as that
obtained with  respect  to  Bonds  in Insured  Trusts  as  described  above,  is
effective  so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains in
business. Insurance relates  only to the  particular Bond and  not to the  Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa"  by  Moody's Investors  Service, Inc.  and/or "AAA"  by Standard  & Poor's
Corporation in recognition of such insurance.
 
    If a Bond  in a Traditional  Trust is insured,  the Schedule of  Investments
will identify the insurer. Such insurance will be provided by Financial Guaranty
Insurance   Company  ("FGIC"),  AMBAC   Indemnity  Corporation  ("AMBAC"),  Bond
Investors Guaranty  Insurance  Company, now  known  as MBIA  Corp.  of  Illinois
("BIG"),   Capital  Guaranty  Insurance  Company  ("CGIC"),  Financial  Security
Assurance,   Inc.   ("FSA"),   Municipal   Bond   Insurance   Association   (the
"Association"),  Municipal  Bond  Investors  Assurance  Corporation  ("MBIA") or
Connie Lee Insurance Company  ("ConnieLee"). The Sponsor  to date has  purchased
and  presently intends  to purchase  insurance for  Bonds in  Traditional Trusts
exclusively from MBIA (see the  preceding disclosure regarding MBIA). There  can
be  no assurance  that any insurer  listed therein  will be able  to satisfy its
commitments in the
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
event claims are made in the future. However, Standard & Poor's Corporation  has
rated  the claims-paying  ability of each  insurer "AAA,"  and Moody's Investors
Service has rated  all bonds  insured by  each such  insurer, except  ConnieLee,
"Aaa."  Moody's  Investor's  Service  gives  no  ratings  for  bonds  insured by
ConnieLee.
 
    Because any such insurance  will be effective so  long as the insured  Bonds
are  outstanding, such insurance  will be taken into  account in determining the
market value  of  such Bonds  and  therefore  some value  attributable  to  such
insurance  will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that includes
such Bonds. The insurance does not,  however, guarantee the market value of  the
Bonds or of the Units.
 
6.  HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?
 
The  Public Offering Price of the Units of  each Trust is equal to the Trustee's
determination of the aggregate  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds deposited  therein
(minus  any  advancement to  the  principal account  of  the Trust  made  by the
Trustee) plus a sales charge of 5.152%  of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case  of National and State  Trusts, 4.439% of the  aggregate offering prices in
the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 4.058% of the aggregate offering prices in
the case of Intermediate Trusts, 3.093% of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case of Short Intermediate Trusts and 2.564% of the aggregate offering prices in
the  case of Short  Term Trusts, in each  case adding to  the total thereof cash
held by the Trust,  if any, and dividing  the sum so obtained  by the number  of
Units  outstanding in the Trust. This  computation produces a gross underwriting
profit equal to 4.90% of the Public  Offering Price in the case of National  and
State  Trusts,  4.25%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of  Long
Intermediate Trusts,  3.90%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of
Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% of  the Public Offering  Price in the  case of Short
Intermediate Trusts and 2.50% of the Public Offering Price in the case of  Short
Term Trusts.
 
    The  sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales to any  purchaser of at least $50,000  or 500 Units and will  be
applied  on whichever basis is more favorable  to the purchaser. For purposes of
calculating the applicable  sales charge,  purchasers who  have indicated  their
intent  to purchase a specified amount of Units of any Trust described herein in
the primary offering period  or units of any  other series of Nuveen  Tax-Exempt
Unit  Trusts in the primary offering period by executing and delivering a letter
of intent to the Sponsor, which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to
the Sponsor  and shall  have a  maximum  duration of  thirteen months,  will  be
eligible  to receive  a reduced  sales charge  according to  the following table
based on the amount of intended  aggregate purchases as expressed in the  letter
of  intent. By  establishing a  letter of intent,  a Unitholder  agrees that the
first purchase of Units following the execution of such letter of intent will be
at least 5% of the total amount of the intended aggregate purchases expressed in
such Unitholder's letter of  intent. Further, through  the establishment of  the
letter of intent, such Unitholder agrees that units representing 5% of the total
amount  of the intended purchases will be  held in escrow by United States Trust
Company of New York pending completion of these purchases. All distributions  on
units  held in escrow  will be credited  to such Unitholder's  account. If total
purchases prior to the expiration of the letter of intent period equal or exceed
the amount  specified in  a Unitholder's  letter of  intent, the  units held  in
escrow  will be transferred to such Unitholder's account. If the total purchases
are less than the amount specified, the Unitholder involved must pay the Sponsor
an amount equal to the difference  between the amounts paid for these  purchases
and  the amounts which would have been paid  if the higher sales charge had been
applied. If such Unitholder  does not pay the  additional amount within 20  days
after   written  request   by  the   Sponsor  or   the  Unitholder's  securities
representative, the Sponsor will instruct  the Trustee to redeem an  appropriate
number  of the escrowed  units to meet  the required payment.  By establishing a
letter of intent, a Unitholder irrevocably  appoints the Sponsor as attorney  to
give instructions to redeem any or all of such Unitholder's escrowed units, with
full  power  of substitution  in the  premises. A  Unitholder or  his securities
representative must notify the Sponsor whenever such Unitholder makes a purchase
of Units that he wishes to be
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
counted towards the intended amount.  Sales charges during the primary  offering
period are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          National and State     Long Intermediate Trusts
                                                                Trusts                                       Intermediate Trusts
                                                       ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                         Percent      Percent      Percent      Percent      Percent      Percent
                                                           of         of Net         of         of Net         of         of Net
                                                        Offering      Amount      Offering      Amount      Offering      Amount
                  Number of Units*                        Price      Invested       Price      Invested       Price      Invested
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Less than 500........................................        4.90%       5.152%        4.25%       4.439%        3.90%       4.058%
500 but less than 1,000..............................        4.75        4.987         4.15        4.330         3.70        3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500............................        4.50        4.712         3.85        4.004         3.50        3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000............................        4.25        4.439         3.60        3.734         3.25        3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000...........................        3.50        3.627         3.35        3.466         3.00        3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000..........................        3.00        3.093         3.00        3.093         2.75        2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000..........................        2.50        2.564         2.50        2.564         2.50        2.564
50,000 or more.......................................        2.00        2.041         2.00        2.041         2.00        2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Short Intermediate
                                                                Trusts              Short Term Trusts
                                                       ------------------------  ------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                         Percent      Percent      Percent      Percent
                                                           of         of Net         of         of Net
                                                        Offering      Amount      Offering      Amount
                  Number of Units*                        Price      Invested       Price      Invested
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Less than 500........................................        3.00%       3.093%        2.50%       2.564%
500 but less than 1,000..............................        2.80        2.881         2.30        2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500............................        2.60        2.670         2.10        2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000............................        2.35        2.407         1.85        1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000...........................        2.10        2.145         1.60        1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000..........................        1.85        1.885         1.35        1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000..........................        1.80        1.833         1.25        1.266
50,000 or more.......................................        1.50        1.523         1.15        1.163
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint  sales charges are computed both on  a dollar basis and on the basis
 of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
 2,500 Units to $250,000 etc., and will  be applied on that basis which is  more
 favorable to the purchaser.
 
    For  "secondary market"  sales the  Public Offering  Price per  Unit of each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each Bond in the Trust  a sales charge determined  in accordance with the  table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such  Bond, adjusting  the total to  reflect the amount  of any cash  held in or
advanced to the principal account  of the Trust and  dividing the result by  the
number  of Units then outstanding. For  purposes of this calculation, Bonds will
be deemed to mature on  their stated maturity dates  unless: (a) the Bonds  have
been  called for redemption or funds or securities have been placed in escrow to
redeem them on  an earlier  call date,  in which case  such call  date shall  be
deemed to be the date upon which they mature; or (b) such Bonds are subject to a
"mandatory put," in which case such mandatory put date shall be deemed to be the
date upon which they mature.
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the  net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than 20%
of the  original principal  amount of  the  Trust. In  the course  of  regularly
appraising  the  value of  Bonds  in each  Trust,  the Sponsor  will  attempt to
estimate the date on which a Trust's  value will fall below the 20% level  based
on anticipated bond events over a five year period, including maturities, escrow
calls  and  current  calls or  refundings,  assuming certain  market  rates. The
Sponsor intends from time to time to recommend that certain Trusts whose  values
have  fallen or are anticipated to fall  below the 20% level be terminated based
on certain criteria  which could adversely  affect the Trust's  diversification.
Once  the Sponsor has determined that a Trust's  value has or may fall below the
20% level within a five-year period, for purposes of computing the sales  charge
using the table set forth below, the maturity of each bond in such Trust will be
deemed  to be the earlier of the estimated termination date of the Trust, or the
actual date used  when pricing  the bond under  Municipal Securities  Rulemaking
Board rules and interpretations issued thereunder.
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
    The effect of this method of sales charge calculation will be that different
sales  charge rates will  be applied to  the various Bonds  in a Trust portfolio
based upon  the maturities  of  such Bonds,  in  accordance with  the  following
schedule.  As  shown, the  sales charge  on  Bonds in  each maturity  range (and
therefore the aggregate sales charge on the purchase) is reduced with respect to
purchases of at least $50,000 or 500 Units:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Amount of Purchase*
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
                                            $50,000     $100,000     $250,000     $500,000     $1,000,000     $2,500,000
                                Under         to           to           to           to            to             to
Years to Maturity              $50,000      $99,999     $249,999     $499,999     $999,999     $2,499,999     $4,999,999
- ---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------
Less than 1................           0            0            0            0            0             0              0
1 but less than 2..........       1.523%       1.446%       1.369%       1.317%       1.215%        1.061%          .900%
2 but less than 3..........       2.041        1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626         1.420          1.225
3 but less than 4..........       2.564        2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041         1.781          1.546
4 but less than 5..........       3.093        2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459         2.175          1.883
5 but less than 7..........       3.627        3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881         2.460          2.165
7 but less than 10.........       4.167        3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239         2.828          2.489
10 but less than 13........       4.712        4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788         3.253          2.842
13 but less than 16........       5.263        4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167         3.627          3.169
16 or more.................       5.820        5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603         4.004          3.500
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                          <C>
 
                              $5,000,000
Years to Maturity               or more
- ---------------------------  -------------
Less than 1................            0
1 but less than 2..........         .750%
2 but less than 3..........        1.030
3 but less than 4..........        1.310
4 but less than 5..........        1.590
5 but less than 7..........        1.870
7 but less than 10.........        2.150
10 but less than 13........        2.430
13 but less than 16........        2.710
16 or more.................        3.000
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the  basis
  of  the  number of  Units  purchased, using  the  equivalent of  500  Units to
  $50,000, 2,500 Units  to $250,000,  etc., and will  be applied  on that  basis
  which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  secondary market sales charges above are  expressed as a percent of the
net amount invested; expressed  as a percent of  the Public Offering Price,  the
maximum  sales charge on  any Trust, including one  consisting entirely of Bonds
with 16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net  amount
invested).  For purposes of illustration, the sales charge on a Trust consisting
entirely of Bonds  maturing in 13  to 16 years  would be 5%  (5.263% of the  net
amount  invested); that on a Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in five
to seven years would be 3.5% (3.627% of the net amount invested); and that on  a
Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in three to four years would be 2.5%
(2.564%  of the net  amount invested). The actual  secondary market sales charge
included in the Public Offering Price of any particular Trust will depend on the
maturities of the Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.
 
    At all  times while  Units are  being  offered for  sale, the  Sponsor  will
appraise  or cause to  be appraised daily  the value of  the underlying Bonds in
each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time on each day on which the New York  Stock
Exchange  (the "Exchange") is normally open  and will adjust the Public Offering
Price of the Units commensurate with such appraisal. Such Public Offering  Price
will be effective for all orders received by a dealer or the Sponsor at or prior
to  4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such day. Orders received after that time, or
on a day when the Exchange is closed for a scheduled holiday or weekend, will be
held until the next determination of price.
 
    As more fully set  forth in Section 8,  accrued interest from the  preceding
Record  Date to, but not including, the settlement date of the transaction (five
business days after  purchase) will  be added to  the Public  Offering Price  to
determine the purchase price of Units.
 
    The  above graduated  sales charges  will apply  on all  purchases of Nuveen
investment company  securities on  any one  day  by the  same purchaser  in  the
amounts stated, and for this purpose purchases of this Series will be aggregated
with  concurrent purchases  of any  other Series  or of  shares of  any open-end
management investment company of which the Sponsor is principal underwriter  and
with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
 
    Purchases  by or for the account of an  individual and his or her spouse and
children under 21 years  of age will be  aggregated to determine the  applicable
sales charge. The
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
graduated  sales charges  are also  applicable to  a trustee  or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary account.
 
    Units may be purchased at the  Public Offering Price without a sales  charge
by officers or directors and by bona fide, full-time employees of Nuveen, Nuveen
Advisory Corp., Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and The John Nuveen Company,
including  in each case these individuals and their immediate family members (as
defined above).
 
    The initial or primary Public Offering Price  of the Units in each Trust  is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust  plus the  applicable sales charge.  The secondary  market Public Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average approximately 1% to 2% more than the
BID prices of such Bonds  in the case of  National, Long Intermediate and  State
Trusts,  3/4%  to 1  1/2% in  the  case of  Intermediate and  Short Intermediate
Trusts, and  1/2% to  3/4% in  the case  of Short  Term Trusts.  The  difference
between the bid side evaluation and the offering side evaluation of the Bonds in
each  Trust on the  business day prior  to the Date  of Deposit is  shown in the
discussion of each Trust portfolio.
 
    Whether or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will  determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior  thereto), (ii) on any day on which  a Unit is tendered for redemption (or
the next succeeding business day  if the date of  tender is a non-business  day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day" shall be any day on which the Exchange is normally open. (See Section 16.)
 
7.  MARKET FOR UNITS
 
During  the  initial public  offering period,  the Sponsor  intends to  offer to
purchase Units of each  Trust at a  price equivalent to the  pro rata share  per
Unit  of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued interest).
Afterward, although  it  is not  obligated  to do  so,  the Sponsor  intends  to
maintain  a secondary  market for  Units of  each Trust  at its  own expense and
continuously to offer  to purchase  Units of each  Trust at  prices, subject  to
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the Trusts. If the supply of Units of any of the Trusts
of this Series exceeds  demand, or for some  other business reason, the  Sponsor
may discontinue purchases of Units of such Trust at such prices. UNITHOLDERS WHO
WISH  TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS
TO THE  CURRENT  REDEMPTION PRICE  (SEE  SECTION  19). In  connection  with  its
secondary  marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter into
secondary market  joint  account  agreements with  other  brokers  and  dealers.
Pursuant to such an agreement the Sponsor will purchase Units from the broker or
dealer at the bid price and will place the Units into a joint account managed by
the  Sponsor; sales from  the account will  be made in  accordance with the then
current prospectus and the Sponsor and  the broker or dealer will share  profits
and  losses in  the joint account  in accordance  with the terms  of their joint
account agreement.
 
    Certificates, if any, for Units are  delivered to the purchaser as  promptly
after  the date of settlement (five business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can complete the mechanics of registration. Normally, Certificates, if any,  are
mailed  by  the  Trustee within  48  hours after  registration  instructions are
received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates are issued will be unable  to
exercise  any right of redemption until they have received their Certificates as
tender of the Certificate, properly endorsed for transfer. (See Section 19.)
 
    Each Unit  of each  respective Trust  initially offered  by this  Prospectus
represents  that fractional  undivided interest  in such  Trust as  is set forth
under "Essential Information
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
Regarding the Trusts." To the extent that any Units of any Trust are redeemed by
the Trustee, the  aggregate value  of the Trust's  assets will  decrease by  the
amount  paid to the redeeming Unitholder,  but the fractional undivided interest
of each unredeemed Unit in such Trust will increase proportionately. The Sponsor
will initially, and from time to time thereafter, hold Units in connection  with
their offering.
 
8.  WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?
 
Accrued  interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the last
day on which  interest thereon  was paid.  Interest on  Bonds in  each Trust  is
accounted  for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price of
Units of a Trust will  include not only the Public  Offering Price but also  the
proportionate  share of  accrued interest  to the  date of  settlement. Interest
accrues to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date  of
their purchase transaction.
 
    Accrued interest does not include accrual of original issue discount on zero
coupon  bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount bonds. (See
"Summary of Portfolios--General Trust Information"  and "What Is The Tax  Status
of Unitholders.")
 
    In  an effort to reduce the amount  of accrued interest that investors would
have to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed  to
advance  to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of the
Date of Deposit (which has been designated  the first Record Date for all  plans
of  distribution). This  accrued interest  will be  paid to  the Sponsor  as the
holder of record of  all Units on  the Date of  Deposit. Consequently, when  the
Sponsor  sells Units of a  Trust, the amount of accrued  interest to be added to
the Public Offering Price to determine the  purchase price of the Units of  such
Trust  purchased by an investor will include only accrued interest from the Date
of Deposit  to, but  not including,  the date  of settlement  of the  investor's
purchase  (five business days  after purchase), less  any distributions from the
related Interest Account.  The Trustee  will recover  its advancements  (without
interest  or  other cost  to the  Trusts)  from interest  received on  the Bonds
deposited in each Trust.
 
    The Trustee has no  cash for distribution to  Unitholders until it  receives
interest  payments on the Bonds in the  Trusts. Since municipal bond interest is
accrued daily but  paid only  semi-annually, during  the initial  months of  the
Trusts,  the Interest Accounts,  consisting of accrued  but uncollected interest
and collected interest  (cash), will  be predominantly  the uncollected  accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee,  the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately 30
and 60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its  original
size  and composition  and expenses  and fees  remain the  same, annual interest
collected and distributed  will approximate  the estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income  stated herein. However, the  amount of accrued interest  at any point in
time will  be  greater than  the  amount that  the  Trustee will  have  actually
received and distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there will always remain
an  item of  accrued interest  that is  included in  the Purchase  Price and the
redemption price of the Units.
 
    Interest is accounted  for daily and  a proportionate share  of accrued  and
undistributed  interest computed from the preceding  Record Date is added to the
daily valuation of each Unit  of each Trust. (See Sections  3 and 13.) As  Bonds
mature,  or are redeemed or sold, the  accrued interest applicable to such bonds
is collected and subsequently distributed  to Unitholders. Unitholders who  sell
or redeem all or a portion of their Units will be paid their proportionate share
of  the remaining accrued interest to, but not including, the fifth business day
following the date of sale or tender.
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
9.  WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?
 
The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to  the
investor  earned over the estimated  life of the Trust.  The Estimated Long Term
Return represents an average of the yields to maturity (or call) of the Bonds in
the Trust's portfolio calculated in  accordance with accepted bond practice  and
adjusted  to reflect expenses  and sales charges.  Under accepted bond practice,
tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on a "yield price"  basis,
which  involves computation  of yield  to maturity  or to  an earlier  call date
(whichever produces the lower yield), and which takes into account not only  the
interest  payable  on the  bonds but  also  the amortization  or accretion  to a
specified date of any premium over or discount from the par (maturity) value  in
the  bond's  purchase  price. In  calculating  Estimated Long  Term  Return, the
average yield for  the Trust's  portfolio is  derived by  weighting each  Bond's
yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining to the
date  to which the Bond is priced. Once the average portfolio yield is computed,
this figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of  the
maximum  sales  charge  paid  by  investors.  The  Estimated  Long  Term  Return
calculation does not take into account the effect of a first distribution  which
may  be less than a regular  distribution or may be paid  at some point after 30
days (or a second distribution which may be less than a normal distribution  for
Unitholders  who choose quarterly or semi-annual  plans of distribution), and it
also does  not  take  into account  the  difference  in timing  of  payments  to
Unitholders  who choose quarterly or semi-annual  plans of distribution, each of
which will reduce the return.
 
    Estimated Current Return  is computed  by dividing the  Net Annual  Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion of discount, if any, on the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
 
    Net  Annual Interest  Income per Unit,  used to  calculate Estimated Current
Return, will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and  the
Evaluator  and with the redemption, maturity, exchange or sale of Bonds. A Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated Current Returns or Estimated Long Term Returns quoted  herein
will  be realized in the future. Since both the Estimated Current Return and the
Estimated Long Term Return quoted  herein are based on  the market value of  the
underlying  Bonds on the business  day prior to the  Date of Deposit, subsequent
calculations of these performance measures will reflect the then current  market
value of the underlying Bonds and may be higher or lower.
 
    A  portion of the  monies received by a  Trust may be  treated, in the first
year only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust  portfolio
of  "when-issued"  or  other  Bonds  having delivery  dates  after  the  date of
settlement for purchases  made on  the Date of  Deposit. A  consequence of  this
treatment  is that in the computation of  Estimated Current Return for the first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment to the Public Offering  Price. (See "Essential Information  Regarding
the Trusts" and Sections 4 and 11.)
 
    For a statement of the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit under the monthly
plan  of  distribution,  and Estimated  Long  Term Yield  and  Estimated Current
Returns based on the Public Offering Prices of the Trusts in this Series, all as
of the day prior  to the Date of  Deposit, see "Essential Information  Regarding
the Trusts."
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
10.  HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?
 
The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the  public on the business day prior to  the Date of Deposit were determined by
the Trustee on the basis  of an evaluation of such  Bonds prepared by Kenny  S&P
Evaluation  Services, a  firm regularly engaged  in the  business of evaluating,
quoting or appraising comparable bonds. With respect to Bonds in Insured  Trusts
and insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts, Kenny S&P Evaluation Services evaluated
the Bonds as so insured. (See Section 5).
 
    The  amount by which  the Trustee's determination of  the OFFERING PRICES of
the Bonds deposited  in the Trusts  was greater or  less than the  cost of  such
Bonds  to  the  Sponsor was  PROFIT  OR LOSS  to  the Sponsor  exclusive  of any
underwriting profit.  (See Section  3.)  The Sponsor  also may  realize  FURTHER
PROFIT  OR  SUSTAIN FURTHER  LOSS  as a  result  of fluctuations  in  the Public
Offering Price of the Units. Cash, if  any, made available to the Sponsor  prior
to  the settlement date for a purchase of  Units, or prior to the acquisition of
all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may  be available for use in the  Sponsor's
business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
 
11.  WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?
 
At  the  respective times  of issuance  of  the Bonds  opinions relating  to the
validity thereof and to  the exemption of interest  thereon from Federal  income
tax  were rendered  by bond  counsel to  the respective  issuing authorities. In
addition, with respect to  State Trusts, where applicable,  bond counsel to  the
issuing  authorities rendered opinions  as to the exemption  of interest on such
Bonds, when held by residents  of the state in which  the issuers of such  Bonds
are  located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles and
local income taxes.  For a  discussion of  the tax  status of  State Trusts  see
"Summary  of  Portfolios--  Tax Status"  for  the respective  State  Trust. (See
Sections 2 and 3.)  Neither the Sponsor  nor its counsel  have made any  special
review  for the Trusts of the proceedings  relating to the issuance of the Bonds
or of the basis for the opinions rendered in connection therewith.
 
    Taxpayers  must  disclose  on  their  Federal  tax  returns  the  amount  of
tax-exempt  interest  earned  during  the  year.  Federally  tax-exempt  income,
including income on  Units of the  Trusts, will be  taken into consideration  in
computing the portion, if any, of social security benefits received that will be
included in a taxpayer's gross income subject to the Federal income tax.
 
    Gain  realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of a
Unit by  a Unitholder  is includable  in  gross income  for Federal  income  tax
purposes,  and may be includable  in gross income for  state tax purposes. (Such
gain does not  include any amounts  received in respect  of accrued interest  or
accrued  original  issue  discount,  if  any.) It  should  be  noted  that under
provisions of the Revenue Reconciliation Act  of 1993 (the "Tax Act")  described
below  that subject accretion of market discount on tax-exempt bonds to taxation
as ordinary income,  gain realized on  the sale  or redemption of  Bonds by  the
Trustee or of Units by a Unitholder that would have been treated as capital gain
under  prior law is treated as ordinary  income to the extent it is attributable
to accretion of market  discount. Market discount can  arise based on the  price
the  Trust pays  for the Bonds  or the  price a Unitholder  pays for  his or her
Units.
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
 
    (1) the Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for  Federal
        income  tax purposes. Tax-exempt interest received by each of the Trusts
        on  Bonds  deposited  therein  will  retain  its  status  as  tax-exempt
        interest,  for Federal income tax purposes,  when received by the Trusts
        and when distributed  to the  Unitholders, except  that the  alternative
        minimum  tax and environmental  tax (the "Superfund  Tax") applicable to
        corporate Unitholders  may, in  certain  circumstances, include  in  the
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
        amount  on which  such taxes  are calculated  a portion  of the interest
        income received by  the Trust.  See "Certain Tax  Matters Applicable  to
        Corporate Unitholders", below;
 
    (2) each  Unitholder of a Trust is considered to  be the owner of a pro rata
        portion of such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of  the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and will have a taxable event
        when  the Trust  disposes of  a Bond or  when the  Unitholder redeems or
        sells Units. Unitholders must  reduce the tax basis  of their Units  for
        their  share of accrued interest received by the Trust, if any, on Bonds
        delivered after  the  date the  Unitholders  pay for  their  Units  and,
        consequently,  such Unitholders may have an  increase in taxable gain or
        reduction in capital loss  upon the disposition of  such Units. Gain  or
        loss  upon the sale or redemption of  Units is measured by comparing the
        proceeds of  such sale  or redemption  with the  adjusted basis  of  the
        Units.  If the  Trustee disposes of  Bonds (whether by  sale, payment at
        maturity, redemption or otherwise),  gain or loss  is recognized to  the
        Unitholder. The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing
        the  Unitholder's  pro  rata  share  of  the  total  proceeds  from such
        disposition with  the  Unitholder's  basis for  his  or  her  fractional
        interest  in the  asset disposed  of. In  the case  of a  Unitholder who
        purchases Units, such basis (before adjustment for earned original issue
        discount  and  amortized  bond  premium,   if  any)  is  determined   by
        apportioning  the  cost of  the  Units among  each  of the  Trust assets
        ratably according to value as of  the date of acquisition of the  Units.
        The   tax  cost  reduction   requirements  of  said   Code  relating  to
        amortization of bond  premium may, under  some circumstances, result  in
        the  Unitholder realizing a taxable gain when  his or her Units are sold
        or redeemed for an amount equal to their original cost; and
 
    (3) any amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under  policies
        of  insurance issued with respect to  such Bonds will be excludable from
        Federal gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest  would
        have  been so excludable if paid by the respective issuer provided that,
        at the  time such  policies are  purchased, the  amounts paid  for  such
        policies  are reasonable,  customary and consistent  with the reasonable
        expectation that the issuer of the bonds, rather than the insurer,  will
        pay  debt  service  on  the  bonds. Paragraph  (2)  of  this  opinion is
        accordingly  applicable   to  policy   proceeds  representing   maturing
        interest.
 
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence  of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series for
New York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each  Trust
    is  not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each Trust
    will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.
 
    For a summary  of each opinion  of special counsel  to the respective  State
Trusts for state tax matters, see Section 3.
 
    ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL, STATE OR
OTHER TAXES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
 
    The  redemption of Units in a Trust by  a Unitholder would result in each of
the remaining Unitholders of said Trust owning a greater proportionate  interest
in  the remaining assets of  said Trust. Although present  law does not directly
address this matter, it  would appear reasonable  that a remaining  Unitholder's
tax  basis in his  Units would include  his proportionate share  of any proceeds
received by the Trust on the sale of bonds which were not distributed to him but
were instead used by  the Trust to redeem  Units and that his  tax basis in  the
remaining  assets of the Trust  would accordingly be increased  by such share of
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
proceeds, based on the relative fair market value of the remaining assets of the
Trust as of the date of such redemption.
 
    Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules  governing
the  accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide that original issue
discount accrues either  on the basis  of a constant  compound interest rate  or
ratably over the term of the Bond, depending on the date the Bond was issued. In
addition,  special  rules apply  if the  purchase  price of  a Bond  exceeds the
original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount which would have
previously accrued based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price").  The
application  of these rules will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on
the date a Unitholder acquires his Units, and the price the Unitholder pays  for
his  Units. The  accrual of  tax-exempt original  issue discount  on zero coupon
bonds and other original issue discount bonds will result in an increase in  the
Unitholder's  basis in  such obligations and,  accordingly, in his  basis in his
Units.
 
    The Tax Act subjects  tax-exempt bonds to the  market discount rules of  the
Code  effective for  bonds purchased  after April  30, 1993.  In general, market
discount is the amount (if any) by which the stated redemption price at maturity
exceeds an investor's purchase price (except to the extent that such difference,
if any, is attributable to original  issue discount not yet accrued). Under  the
Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable as ORDINARY INCOME; under prior
law,  the  accretion had  been  treated as  capital  gain. Market  discount that
accretes while the Trust holds a Bond would be recognized as ordinary income  by
the  Unitholders when principal payments are received  on the Bond, upon sale or
at redemption (including early  redemption), or upon the  sale or redemption  of
his  or her  Units, unless  a Unitholder  elects to  include market  discount in
taxable income  as  it  accrues.  The market  discount  rules  are  complex  and
Unitholders  should consult their  tax advisors regarding  these rules and their
application.
 
    The Internal Revenue Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase  or carry  obligations, the  interest on  which is  wholly
exempt  from Federal income taxes, is not deductible. Because each Unitholder is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as the owner of a pro rata share of  the
Bonds owned by the applicable Trust, interest on borrowed funds used to purchase
or  carry Units  of such  Trust will  not be  deductible for  Federal income tax
purposes. Under rules used by the Internal Revenue Service for determining  when
borrowed  funds are  considered used for  the purpose of  purchasing or carrying
particular assets, the  purchase of Units  may be considered  to have been  made
with borrowed funds even though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to
the  purchase of Units (however, these rules  generally do not apply to interest
paid on  indebtedness incurred  to purchase  or improve  a personal  residence).
Similar  rules are  generally applicable for  state tax  purposes. Special rules
apply in  the  case  of  certain  financial  institutions  that  acquire  Units.
Investors  with questions regarding  these issues should  consult with their tax
advisers.
 
    In general,  each  issue  of bonds  in  the  Trusts is  subject  to  certain
post-issuance  requirements which must be  met in order for  the interest on the
Bonds to be and remain exempt from Federal income taxation. Bond counsel to each
issuer generally has opined that, assuming continuing compliance by such issuers
with certain covenants, interest on such  Bonds will continue to be exempt  from
Federal income taxation (other than with respect to the application to corporate
Unitholders  of the alternative  minimum tax or the  Superfund Tax, as discussed
below).
 
    For purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals  and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
    For  taxpayers  other than  corporations,  net capital  gains  are presently
subject to a maximum tax  rate of 28 percent. However,  it should be noted  that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and
could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are
taxed.
 
    CERTAIN  TAX MATTERS  APPLICABLE TO  CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS.  In the  case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum  tax and the Superfund Tax  depend
upon the corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's  taxable income  with certain  adjustments. One  of the adjustment
items used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other  than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC)  is an amount equal to 75%  of the excess of such corporation's "adjusted
current earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such adjustment  item
and  the  alternative tax  net  operation loss  deduction).  Although tax-exempt
interest received by each of the Trusts  on Bonds deposited therein will not  be
included  in the gross  income of corporations for  Federal income tax purposes,
"adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including interest
on all Bonds in the Trust and tax-exempt original issue discount.
 
    Corporate Unitholders  are urged  to  consult their  own tax  advisers  with
respect  to the particular tax consequences  to them resulting under the Federal
tax law, including the corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax  and
the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
 
    EXCEPT  AS NOTED ABOVE AND IN SECTION  3, THE EXEMPTION OF INTEREST ON STATE
AND LOCAL  OBLIGATIONS FOR  FEDERAL  INCOME TAX  PURPOSES DOES  NOT  NECESSARILY
RESULT IN EXEMPTION UNDER THE INCOME OR OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR CITY. THE
LAWS  OF  THE  SEVERAL  STATES  VARY  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THE  TAXATION  OF  SUCH
OBLIGATIONS.
 
12.  WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No annual advisory fee is charged the  Trusts by the Sponsor. The Sponsor  does,
however,  receive a fee  of $0.17 per  annum per $1,000  principal amount of the
underlying Bonds  in each  Trust  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and  for
maintaining surveillance over the portfolio. (See Section 16.)
 
    The  Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for each
plan of  distribution for  each Trust  as set  forth in  "Essential  Information
Regarding  the Trusts." Each  annual fee is  per $1,000 principal  amount of the
underlying Bonds in  a Trust for  that portion  of the Trust  that represents  a
particular  plan of distribution. The Trustee's fee may be periodically adjusted
in response to fluctuations in short-term interest rates (reflecting the cost to
the Trustee of advancing funds to  a Trust to meet scheduled distributions)  and
may be further adjusted in accordance with the cumulative percentage increase of
the  United  States Department  of Labor's  Consumer  Price Index  entitled "All
Services Less Rent" since the establishment  of the Trusts. The Trustee has  the
use  of funds, if any, being held in the Interest and Principal Accounts of each
Trust for  future  distributions, payment  of  expenses and  redemptions.  These
Accounts  are non-interest  bearing to  Unitholders. Pursuant  to normal banking
procedures, the Trustee benefits from the use of funds held therein. Part of the
Trustee's compensation for its services to  the Fund is expected to result  from
such use of these funds.
 
    Premiums  for the policies  of insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the
Bond issuers with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to
insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full prior to the  deposit
of the Bonds in the Trusts, and the value of such insurance has been included in
the evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust and accordingly in the Public Offering
Price  of Units of each Trust. There  are no annual continuing premiums for such
insurance.
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
    The Sponsor has borne all costs of creating and establishing the Trusts. The
following are  expenses of  the Trusts  and, when  paid by  or are  owed to  the
Trustee,  are secured by  a lien on the  assets of the Trust  or Trusts to which
such expenses are allocable: (1) the expenses and costs of any action undertaken
by the  Trustee to  protect  the Trusts  and the  rights  and interests  of  the
Unitholders;  (2) all taxes and other governmental charges upon the Bonds or any
part of the Trusts (no such taxes or charges are being levied or made or, to the
knowledge of the Sponsor, contemplated); (3)  amounts payable to the Trustee  as
fees  for  ordinary  recurring  services  and  for  extraordinary  non-recurring
services rendered  pursuant to  the Indenture,  all disbursements  and  expenses
including  counsel fees  (including fees of  bond counsel which  the Trustee may
retain) sustained or incurred  by the Trustee in  connection therewith; and  (4)
any  losses or liabilities accruing to the Trustee without negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct on  its part. The  Trustee is empowered  to sell Bonds  in
order  to  pay  these  amounts  if funds  are  not  otherwise  available  in the
applicable Interest and Principal Accounts.
 
    The Indenture requires each Trust  to be audited on  an annual basis at  the
expense  of the Trust by independent public accountants selected by the Sponsor.
The Trustee  shall not  be  required, however,  to cause  such  an audit  to  be
performed  if its cost to a Trust shall exceed $.05 per Unit on an annual basis.
Unitholders of a  Trust covered by  an audit may  obtain a copy  of the  audited
financial statements upon request.
 
13.  WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including that part
of  the proceeds of  any disposition of Bonds  which represents accrued interest
and including  any insurance  proceeds representing  interest due  on  defaulted
Bonds,  shall be credited to the "Interest  Account" of such Trust and all other
moneys received by the Trustee shall  be credited to the "Principal Account"  of
such Trust.
 
    The  pro rata share of  cash in the Principal Account  in each Trust will be
computed as of each semi-annual Record Date and distributions to the Unitholders
as of such Record Date will be made on or shortly after the fifteenth day of the
month. Proceeds received from the disposition, including sale, call or maturity,
of any of the Bonds and all amounts  paid with respect to zero coupon bonds  and
Stripped  Obligations will be held  in the Principal Account  and either used to
pay for Units  redeemed or distributed  on the Distribution  Date following  the
next semi-annual Record Date. The Trustee is not required to make a distribution
from  the  Principal  Account  of  any Trust  unless  the  amount  available for
distribution in such account equals at least ten cents per Unit.
 
    The pro rata share of the Interest Account in each Trust will be computed by
the Trustee each month as of each Record Date and distributions will be made  on
or  shortly after the fifteenth day of the month to Unitholders of such Trust as
of the Record Date who are entitled to distributions at that time under the plan
of distribution chosen. Persons who purchase  Units between a Record Date and  a
Distribution Date will receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date
following the next Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.
 
    Purchasers  of  Units  who desire  to  receive interest  distributions  on a
monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during the
initial public offering  period. Those indicating  no choice will  be deemed  to
have  chosen the  semi-annual distribution  plan. All  Unitholders, however, who
purchase Units during the  initial public offering period  and who hold them  of
record on the first Record Date will receive the first distribution of interest.
Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions will be the first day of each
month;  Record  Dates  for quarterly  distributions  will  be the  first  day of
February, May,
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
August and November; and Record Dates for semi-annual distributions will be  the
first day of May and November.
 
    Details  of distributions  per Unit  of each  Trust under  the various plans
based upon estimated Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit are shown
in the tables appearing  in Section 3. The  amount of the regular  distributions
will  remain the same so long as each  Trust portfolio remains the same and fees
and expenses remain the same, and will generally change when Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
    The plan of  distribution selected  by a  Unitholder will  remain in  effect
until  changed.  Unitholders  purchasing  Units  in  the  secondary  market will
initially receive distributions  in accordance  with the election  of the  prior
owner.  Unitholders desiring to change  their plan of distribution  may do so by
sending  a   written   notice  requesting   the   change,  together   with   any
Certificate(s),  to  the  Trustee. The  notice  and any  Certificate(s)  must be
received by  the  Trustee not  later  than the  semi-annual  Record Date  to  be
effective   as  of   the  semi-annual  distribution   following  the  subsequent
semi-annual Record  Date. Unitholders  are requested  to make  any such  changes
within  45 days prior to the applicable Record Date. Certificates should only be
sent by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their  being
lost or stolen. (See Section 18.) If no notice is received in proper form by the
Trustee,  the Unitholder  will be  deemed to have  elected to  continue the same
plan.
 
    As of the first day of each month the Trustee will deduct from the  Interest
Account  of a Trust or, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the
Principal Account of  a Trust, amounts  needed for payment  of expenses of  such
Trust.  The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts such amount, if any, as
it deems necessary to establish a  reserve for any governmental charges  payable
out  of such Trust. Amounts  so withdrawn shall not be  considered a part of the
Trust's assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part  of
such amounts to the appropriate account.
 
    For  the purpose  of minimizing fluctuations  in the  distributions from the
Interest Account of a Trust, the  Trustee is authorized to advance such  amounts
as may be necessary to provide for interest distributions of approximately equal
amounts.  The  Trustee  shall  be reimbursed,  without  interest,  for  any such
advances from funds  in the Interest  Account of such  Trust. The Trustee's  fee
takes  into account the  costs attributable to  the outlay of  capital needed to
make such advances.
 
    The Trustee  shall withdraw  from  the Interest  Account and  the  Principal
Account  of a  Trust such amounts  as may  be necessary to  cover redemptions of
Units of such Trust by the Trustee. (See Section 19.)
 
    Funds which are available for future distributions, redemptions and  payment
of  expenses are held in accounts  which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders
and are available for use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.
 
14.  ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal  underwriter
of  the  Nuveen Municipal  Bond Fund,  Inc. (the  "Bond Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free
Reserves, Inc. ("Tax-Free Reserves"), Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (the
"California Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free  Bond Fund,  Inc. ("Tax-Free  Bond  Fund"),
Nuveen  Insured Tax-Free  Bond Fund, Inc.  (the "Insured Bond  Fund") and Nuveen
Tax-Free Money  Market Fund,  Inc.  (the "Money  Market  Fund") and  the  Nuveen
Multistate  Tax-Free  Trust  (the  "Multistate  Trust").  Each  of  these  funds
(together, the  "Accumulation Funds")  is  an open-end,  diversified  management
investment   company  into  which  Unitholders  may  choose  to  reinvest  Trust
distributions automatically,  without any  sales  charge. (Reinvestment  in  the
California  Fund is available only to  Unitholders who are California residents.
Reinvestment in the State
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
Portfolios of the Tax-Free  Bond Fund, the Insured  Bond Fund, the Money  Market
Fund and the Multistate Trust is available only to Unitholders who are residents
of  the states  for which such  portfolios are named.)  Unitholders may reinvest
both interest and principal distributions or principal distributions only.  Each
Accumulation  Fund has  investment objectives  which differ  in certain respects
from those  of the  Trusts  and may  invest in  securities  which would  not  be
eligible  for deposit in the Trusts. The investment adviser to each Accumulation
Fund is Nuveen  Advisory Corp., a  wholly-owned subsidiary of  the Sponsor.  The
following  is a general description of the investment objectives and policies of
each Accumulation Fund. For a more detailed description, Unitholders should read
the prospectus of the Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.
 
THE BOND FUND
 
    The Bond  Fund has  the  objective of  providing,  through investment  in  a
professionally  managed portfolio of long-term municipal  bonds, as high a level
of current interest income exempt from Federal income tax as is consistent  with
preservation  of capital. The Bond Fund  may include in its portfolio tax-exempt
bonds rated Baa or BBB or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, unrated  bonds
which,  in the  opinion of the  investment adviser,  have credit characteristics
equivalent  to  bonds  rated  Baa  or  BBB  or  better,  and  certain  temporary
investments,  including securities the interest income from which may be subject
to Federal income tax.
 
TAX-FREE RESERVES
 
    Tax-Free Reserves is a  "money market" fund that  includes in its  portfolio
only  obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of acquisition,
maintains an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or less, values its
portfolio at amortized cost and seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per
share. It provides checkwriting and expedited wire redemption privileges for its
shareholders.  Tax-Free  Reserves  has  the  objective  of  providing,   through
investment  in  a professionally  managed portfolio  of high  quality short-term
municipal obligations, as high  a level of current  interest income exempt  from
Federal  income  tax  as is  consistent  with  preservation of  capital  and the
maintenance of  liquidity.  Tax-Free  Reserves  may  include  in  its  portfolio
municipal obligations rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, VMIG-1 or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA,
AA, SP-1 or A-1 by Standard & Poor's, unrated municipal obligations that, in the
opinion  of the  investment adviser,  have credit  characteristics equivalent to
obligations  rated  as  above,  tax-exempt   obligations  backed  by  the   U.S.
Government, and temporary investments that may be subject to Federal income tax.
 
THE CALIFORNIA FUND
 
    The  California Fund has  the objective of  providing, through investment in
professionally managed portfolios of California municipal obligations, as high a
level of current interest income exempt from both Federal and California  income
taxes as is consistent with the investment policies of each of the portfolios of
the  California Fund  and with  preservation of  capital. Each  portfolio of the
California Fund may include  temporary investments that may  be subject to  tax.
California Unitholders may reinvest in one of three portfolios of the California
Fund:  The Nuveen California Tax-Free Value  Fund, the Nuveen California Insured
Tax-Free Value Fund and the Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
 
    The Nuveen California  Tax-Free Value  Fund invests  primarily in  long-term
investment  grade California  tax-exempt bonds  (I.E., bonds  rated in  the four
highest categories by  Moody's or Standard  & Poor's or,  if unrated, that  have
equivalent credit characteristics). The Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value
Fund  invests primarily  in the  same type  of investments  as the  Special Bond
Portfolio,  each   of   which  is   covered   by  insurance   guaranteeing   the
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
timely  payment of  principal and  interest or  is backed  by a  deposit of U.S.
Government securities.
 
    The Nuveen  California  Tax-Free  Money Market  Fund  invests  primarily  in
high-quality  short term  California tax-exempt money  market instruments (I.E.,
obligations rated in the two highest categories by Moody's or Standard &  Poor's
or,  if unrated,  that have  equivalent credit  characteristics). This portfolio
will include  only  obligations  maturing  within one  year  from  the  date  of
acquisition, will maintain an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or
less, will value its portfolio at amortized cost and will seek to maintain a net
asset value of $1.00 per share. The Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
provides for an expedited wire redemption privilege.
 
THE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
 
    The  Tax-Free Bond Fund consists of  the Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value
Fund, the Nuveen New  York Tax-Free Value Fund,  the Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free  Value
Fund,  and the Nuveen New  Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund,  which are each available
for reinvestment to Unitholders  who are residents of  the state for which  such
portfolio  is  named. The  Tax-Free Bond  Fund has  the objective  of providing,
through investment in a professionally managed portfolio of municipal bonds,  as
high  a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal income tax and
from the  income  tax  imposed  by  each  portfolio's  designated  state  as  is
consistent  with preservation of capital. The  Tax-Free Bond Fund may include in
each of its  portfolios tax-exempt  bonds rated Baa  or BBB  or better;  unrated
bonds   which,  in   the  opinion  of   the  investment   adviser,  have  credit
characteristics equivalent to  bonds rated  Baa or  BBB or  better; and  certain
temporary  investments, including securities the  interest income from which may
be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE INSURED BOND FUND
 
    The Insured Bond Fund  consists of the Nuveen  Insured Municipal Bond  Fund,
the  Nuveen Massachusetts  Insured Tax-Free Value  Fund and the  Nuveen New York
Insured Tax-Free  Value  Fund, which  are  each available  for  reinvestment  to
Unitholders.  (The Massachusetts and  New York Portfolios  are available only to
those Unitholders who  are residents  of the state  for which  the portfolio  is
named.) The Insured Bond Fund has the objective of providing, through investment
in  professionally managed  portfolios of  municipal bonds,  as high  a level of
current interest income exempt from both Federal income tax and, in the case  of
designated  state portfolios,  from the income  tax imposed  by each portfolio's
designated state, as  is consistent  with preservation of  capital. The  Insured
Bond  Fund may include in each of its portfolios the same type of investments as
the Tax-Free Bond Fund, each of  which is covered by insurance guaranteeing  the
timely  payment of  principal and  interest or  is backed  by a  deposit of U.S.
Government securities.
 
THE MONEY MARKET FUND
 
    The Money Market Fund  consists of the  Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free  Money
Market  Fund and the Nuveen New York  Tax-Free Money Market Fund, which are each
available for reinvestment  to Unitholders who  are residents of  the state  for
which  such portfolio is named. The Money Market Fund includes in its portfolios
only obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  acquisition,
maintains  an average  maturity of  120 days or  less, values  its portfolios at
amortized cost and seeks to maintain a  net asset value of $1.00 per share.  The
Money  Market  Fund  has  the  objective  of  providing,  through  investment in
professionally  managed  portfolios   of  high   quality  short-term   municipal
obligations, as high a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal
income  tax and from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's designated state
as is consistent with stability of  principal and the maintenance of  liquidity.
The    Money   Market   Fund   may   include   in   each   of   its   portfolios
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
municipal obligations rated Aaa,  Aa, MIG-1, MIG-2, VMIG-1,  VMIG-2, Prime 1  or
Prime  2 by Moody's  or AAA, AA,  SP-1, SP-2, A-1  or A-2 by  Standard & Poor's;
unrated municipal obligations that,  in the opinion  of the investment  adviser,
have  credit  characteristics  equivalent  to obligations  rated  as  above; and
temporary investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE MULTISTATE TRUST
 
    The Multistate Trust consists of the Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value  Fund,
the  Nuveen Pennsylvania  Tax-Free Value Fund  and the Nuveen  Virginia Tax Free
Value Fund, which  are each available  for reinvestment to  Unitholders who  are
residents  of the state for which such  portfolio is named. The Multistate Trust
has the objective of providing,  through investment in a professionally  managed
portfolio  of municipal bonds, as high a level of current interest income exempt
from both regular Federal  income tax and the  applicable state personal  income
tax  as is  consistent with  preservation of  capital. The  Multistate Trust may
include in  each of  its portfolios  tax-exempt bonds  rated "Baa"  or "BBB"  or
better,  unrated bonds  which, in  the opinion  of the  investment advisor, have
credit characteristics  equivalent to  bonds  rated "baa"  or "BBB"  or  better,
limited  to  no more  than 20%  of  the Multistate  Trust's assets,  and certain
temporary investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
    Each person who purchases Units of a  Trust may become a participant in  the
Accumulation  Plan and elect  to have his  or her distributions  on Units of the
Trust invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds.  Reinvesting
Unitholders   may  select  any  interest  distribution  plan.  Thereafter,  each
distribution  of  interest  income  or  principal  on  the  participant's  Units
(principal  only in  the case of  a Unitholder  who has chosen  to reinvest only
principal distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the  next
day  on which the New  York Stock Exchange is  normally open ("business day") if
the distribution  date is  not  a business  day,  automatically be  received  by
Shareholder  Services, Inc., transfer agent for  each of the Accumulation Funds,
on behalf of such participant  and applied on that  date to purchase shares  (or
fractions  thereof)  of  the Accumulation  Fund  chosen  at net  asset  value as
computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such date. All distributions  will
be  reinvested  in the  Accumulation Fund  chosen  and no  part thereof  will be
retained in a  separate account. These  purchases will be  made without a  sales
charge.
 
    Shareholder Services, Inc. will mail to each participant in the Accumulation
Plan  a quarterly  statement containing a  record of  all transactions involving
purchases of Accumulation Fund shares (or fractions thereof) with Trust interest
distributions or as a result of reinvestment of Accumulation Fund dividends. Any
distribution of principal used to purchase  shares of an Accumulation Fund  will
be  separately  confirmed by  Shareholder Services,  Inc. Unitholders  will also
receive  distribution  statements  from   the  Trustee  detailing  the   amounts
transferred to their Accumulation Fund accounts.
 
    Participants  may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect
to change  the  Accumulation  Fund  into which  their  distributions  are  being
reinvested,  to change from principal only  reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units  in
cash.  There will be no  charge or other penalty for  such change of election or
termination.
 
    The character of  Trust distributions  for income tax  purposes will  remain
unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
15.  HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
The  Trustee  shall  furnish Unitholders  of  a  Trust in  connection  with each
distribution, a statement of the amount of  interest and, if any, the amount  of
other  receipts (received  since the preceding  distribution) being distributed,
expressed in each case  as a dollar  amount representing the  pro rata share  of
each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of all distributions
paid  on said Units.  Within a reasonable period  of time after  the end of each
calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to  each person who at any time  during
the  calendar  year was  a registered  Unitholder  of a  Trust a  statement with
respect to  such  Trust  (i)  as to  the  Interest  Account:  interest  received
(including  amounts  representing  interest  received  upon  any  disposition of
Bonds), and, except  for any  State Trust, the  percentage of  such interest  by
states  in which the issuers  of the Bonds are  located, deductions for fees and
expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions,  expressed in  each case  both as  a total  dollar
amount  and as  a dollar  amount representing  the pro  rata share  of each Unit
outstanding on the  last business  day of  such calendar  year; (ii)  as to  the
Principal  Account: the dates of  disposition of any Bonds  and the net proceeds
received therefrom (excluding  any portion representing  accrued interest),  the
amount  paid for purchase of Replacement  Bonds, the amount paid upon redemption
of Units, deductions for  payment of applicable taxes  and fees and expenses  of
the  Trustee, and the balance remaining  after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing  the
pro  rata  share of  each  Unit outstanding  on the  last  business day  of such
calendar year;  (iii)  a  list  of  the Bonds  held  and  the  number  of  Units
outstanding  on the last business day of such calendar year; (iv) the Unit Value
based upon the last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and  (v)
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest Account
and  from  the Principal  Account, separately  stated,  expressed both  as total
dollar amounts and  as dollar amounts  representing the pro  rata share of  each
Unit outstanding.
 
    Each  annual statement will reflect pertinent  information in respect of all
plans of distribution so that Unitholders may be informed regarding the  results
of other plans of distribution.
 
16.  UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION
 
The  value of each  Trust is determined by  the Sponsor on the  basis of (1) the
cash on hand in the Trust or moneys  in the process of being collected, (2)  the
value  of the Bonds in  the Trust based on  the BID prices of  the Bonds and (3)
interest  accrued  thereon   not  subject  to   collection,  LESS  (1)   amounts
representing  taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2) the
accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided by  the
number  of Units of such  Trust outstanding as of  the date thereof to determine
the per Unit value ("Unit Value") of  such Trust. The Sponsor may determine  the
value  of the Bonds in each Trust (1) on  the basis of current BID prices of the
Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds  comparable
to  those held by the Trust, (2) if bid  prices are not available for any of the
Bonds, on the basis of bid prices for comparable bonds, (3) by causing the value
of the Bonds to be determined by  others engaged in the practice of  evaluating,
quoting  or appraising comparable bonds or (4)  by any combination of the above.
Although the Unit Value of each Trust is  based on the BID prices of the  Bonds,
the Units are sold initially to the public at the Public Offering Price based on
the OFFERING prices of the Bonds.
 
    Because  the insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the  issuers of Bonds
with respect to  the Bonds in  the Insured  Trusts and with  respect to  insured
Bonds  in Traditional Trusts is effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding,
such insurance will be  taken into account in  determining the bid and  offering
prices  of such  Bonds and therefore  some value attributable  to such insurance
will be included in the value of Units of Trusts that include such Bonds.
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
17.  HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated is the Sponsor and sole Underwriter of the Units.
It is  the  intention  of  the  Sponsor  to  qualify  Units  of  National,  Long
Intermediate,  Intermediate, Short Intermediate  and Short Term  Trusts for sale
under the laws of  substantially all of  the states, and  Units of State  Trusts
only in the state for which the Trust is named and selected other states.
 
    Promptly following the deposit of Bonds in exchange for Units of the Trusts,
it  is the practice of the Sponsor to place all of the Units as collateral for a
letter or letters of credit from one or more commercial banks under an agreement
to release such Units from time to  time as needed for distribution. Under  such
an  arrangement  the Sponsor  pays  such banks  compensation  based on  the then
current interest  rate. This  is  a normal  warehousing arrangement  during  the
period of distribution of the Units to public investors.
 
    The  Sponsor plans to allow a discount  to brokers and dealers in connection
with  the  primary  distribution   of  Units  and   also  in  secondary   market
transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Discount per Unit
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                 National    Long Inter-                  Short Inter-
                                and State      mediate     Intermediate      mediate     Short Term
Number of Units*                  Trusts       Trusts         Trusts         Trusts        Trusts
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Less than 500.................    $3.20         $2.90          $2.70          $2.00         $1.50
500 but less than 1,000.......     3.20         2.90           2.70           2.00          1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500.....     3.20         2.70           2.50           1.80          1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000.....     3.20         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000....     2.50         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000...     2.00         2.00           2.00           1.30           .80
25,000 but less than 50,000...     1.75         1.75           1.75           1.30           .60
50,000 or more................     1.75         1.50           1.50           1.00           .60
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint  sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
 dollar basis and  on the  basis of  the number  of Units  purchased, using  the
 equivalent  of 500 Units to  $50,000, 2,500 Units to  $250,000 etc. and will be
 applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The Sponsor currently intends  to maintain a secondary  market for Units  of
each  Trust. See  Section 7.  The amount of  the dealer  concession on secondary
market purchases of Trust Units through the Sponsor will be computed based  upon
the  value  of the  Bonds in  the  Trust portfolio,  including the  sales charge
computed as described in Section 6, and adjusted to reflect the cash position of
the Trust principal  account, and will  vary with  the size of  the purchase  as
shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Amount of Purchase*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                        $50,000   $100,000   $250,000   $500,000   $1,000,000  $2,500,000
                              Under       to         to         to         to          to          to      $5,000,000
Years to Maturity            $50,000    $99,999   $249,999   $499,999   $999,999   $2,499,999  $4,999,999   or more
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Less than 1...............      0          0          0          0          0          0           0           0
1 but less than 2.........    1.00%      .90%       .85%       .80%       .70%        .55%       .467%       .389%
2 but less than 3.........    1.30%      1.20%      1.10%      1.00%      .90%        .73%       .634%       .538%
3 but less than 4.........    1.60%      1.45%      1.35%      1.25%      1.10%       .90%       .781%       .662%
4 but less than 5.........    2.00%      1.85%      1.75%      1.55%      1.40%      1.25%       1.082%      .914%
5 but less than 7.........    2.30%      2.15%      1.95%      1.80%      1.65%      1.50%       1.320%      1.140%
7 but less than 10........    2.60%      2.45%      2.25%      2.10%      1.95%      1.70%       1.496%      1.292%
10 but less than 13.......    3.00%      2.80%      2.60%      2.45%      2.30%      2.00%       1.747%      1.494%
13 but less than 16.......    3.25%      3.15%      3.00%      2.75%      2.50%      2.15%       1.878%      1.606%
16 or more................    3.50%      3.50%      3.40%      3.35%      3.00%      2.50%       2.185%      1.873%
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
  dollar  basis and  on the basis  of the  number of Units  purchased, using the
  equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be
  applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The Sponsor reserves the  right to change  the foregoing dealer  concessions
from time to time.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
    Certain  commercial banks are making Units  of the Trusts available to their
customers on  an agency  basis. A  portion of  the sales  charge paid  by  these
customers  is retained by or  remitted to the banks in  the amounts shown in the
above table.  The Glass-Steagall  Act prohibits  banks from  underwriting  Trust
Units;  the Act  does, however, permit  certain agency  transactions and banking
regulators have not indicated that these particular agency transactions are  not
permitted  under the Act. In Texas and  in certain other states, any bank making
Units available must be registered as a broker-dealer under state law.
 
    To facilitate the handling of transactions, sales of Units shall be  limited
to  transactions involving a minimum of either  $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is
less. The Sponsor reserves the right to  reject, in whole or in part, any  order
for the purchase of Units.
 
18.  OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
 
The  ownership of  Units is  evidenced by book  entry positions  recorded on the
books and records of the Trustee  unless the Unitholder expressly requests  that
the  purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. The Trustee is authorized
to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the time is registered as such
on the books of the Trustee. Any  Unitholder who holds a Certificate may  change
to  book entry ownership by submitting to the Trustee the Certificate along with
a written request that the Units represented by such Certificate be held in book
entry form. Likewise, a Unitholder who holds Units in book entry form may obtain
a Certificate for such  Units by written  request to the  Trustee. Units may  be
held in denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions
of  Units are computed to three decimal  places. Any Certificates issued will be
numbered serially for identification, and  are issued in fully registered  form,
transferable  only  on the  books of  the Trustee.  Book entry  Unitholders will
receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.
 
    Certificates for  Units will  bear  an appropriate  notation on  their  face
indicating  which plan of distribution has been selected. When a change is made,
the  existing  Certificates  must  be   surrendered  to  the  Trustee  and   new
Certificates  issued to  reflect the  currently effective  plan of distribution.
There will be no charge for this service. Holders of book entry Units can change
their plan of  distribution by making  a written request  to the Trustee,  which
will issue a new Book Entry Position Confirmation to reflect such change.
 
    Units  are transferable by making  a written request to  the Trustee and, in
the case of Units  evidenced by Certificate(s),  by presenting and  surrendering
such  Certificate(s) to the Trustee,  at its corporate trust  office in New York
City, properly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. The Certificate(s) should be sent registered or certified mail for the
protection of the Unitholder.  Each Unitholder must  sign such written  request,
and  such Certificate(s) or transfer instrument,  exactly as his name appears on
(a) the face of the Certificate(s) representing the Units to be transferred,  or
(b)  the  Book  Entry  Position  Confirmation(s) relating  to  the  Units  to be
transferred. Such signature(s) must be  guaranteed by a guarantor acceptable  to
the  Trustee. In certain instances the  Trustee may require additional documents
such  as,  but  not  limited  to,  trust  instruments,  certificates  of  death,
appointments   as  executor  or  administrator   or  certificates  of  corporate
authority. Mutilated Certificates must  be surrendered to  the Trustee in  order
for a replacement Certificate to be issued.
 
    Although  at the date hereof  no charge is made  and none is contemplated, a
Unitholder may be  required to  pay $2.00 to  the Trustee  for each  Certificate
reissued or transfer of Units requested and to pay any governmental charge which
may be imposed in connection therewith.
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.
 
    To  obtain a new  Certificate replacing one  that has been  lost, stolen, or
destroyed,  the   Unitholder   must   furnish  the   Trustee   with   sufficient
indemnification and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur.
 
    The  indemnification protects the  Trustee, Sponsor, and  Trust from risk if
the original Certificate is presented for transfer or redemption by a person who
purchased it  in good  faith,  for value  and without  notice  of any  fraud  or
irregularity.
 
    This  indemnification  must  be in  the  form  of an  Open  Penalty  Bond of
Indemnification. The premium for  such an indemnity bond  may vary from time  to
time,  but currently amounts to 1% of  the market value of the Units represented
by the  Certificate. In  the case  however, of  a Trust  as to  which notice  of
termination  has been given, the premium currently amounts to 0.5% of the market
value of the Units represented by such Certificate.
 
19.  HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE
 
Unitholders may redeem all or a portion  of their Units by (1) making a  written
request  for such redemption (book entry Unitholders may use the redemption form
on the reverse side of their Book Entry Position Confirmation) to the Trustee at
its corporate trust office in New York City (redemptions of 1,000 Units or  more
will  require a signature  guarantee), (2) in  the case of  Units evidenced by a
Certificate, by also tendering such Certificate to the Trustee, duly endorsed or
accompanied by  proper instruments  of transfer  with signatures  guaranteed  as
explained  in  Section  18 above,  and  (3) payment  of  applicable governmental
charges, if any.  Certificates should be  sent only by  registered or  certified
mail  to minimize  the possibility of  their being  lost or stolen.  In order to
effect a  redemption of  Units evidenced  by a  Certificate, a  Unitholder  must
tender the Certificate to the Trustee or provide satisfactory indemnity required
in  connection with lost, stolen or  destroyed Certificates (See Section 18). No
redemption fee will be charged. A Unitholder may authorize the Trustee to  honor
telephone  instructions for  the redemption  of Units  held in  book entry form.
Units represented by Certificates may not be redeemed by telephone. The proceeds
of Units redeemed by telephone will be sent by check either to the Unitholder at
the address specified on his account or to a financial institution specified  by
the Unitholder for credit to the account of the Unitholder. A Unitholder wishing
to   use  this  method  of  redemption  must  complete  a  Telephone  Redemption
Authorization Form and  furnish the  Form to the  Trustee. Telephone  Redemption
Authorization   Forms   can   be  obtained   from   a   Unitholder's  registered
representative or by calling  the Trustee. Once the  completed Form is on  file,
the  Trustee  will honor  telephone redemption  requests by  any person.  If the
telephone redemption request is  received prior to 4:00  p.m. eastern time,  the
Unitholder  will be  entitled to receive  for each Unit  tendered the Redemption
Price as determined above.  A telephone redemption  request received after  4:00
p.m. eastern time will be treated as having been received the following business
day. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within seven calendar days following
the  telephone redemption  request. Telephone  redemptions are  limited to 1,000
Units or less. Only  Units held in  the name of individuals  may be redeemed  by
telephone;  accounts registered in  broker name, or  accounts of corporations or
fiduciaries  (including  among  others,   trustees,  guardians,  executors   and
administrators) may not use the telephone redemption privilege.
 
    On  the seventh calendar day following the date of tender, or if the seventh
calendar day is not a business day, on the first business day prior thereto, the
Unitholder will be entitled to receive in cash for each Unit tendered an  amount
equal to the Unit Value of such Trust determined by the Trustee, as of 4:00 p.m.
eastern  time on the date of tender  as defined hereafter, plus accrued interest
to, but  not  including,  the  fifth  business day  after  the  date  of  tender
("Redemption  Price"). The  price received upon  redemption may be  more or less
than the amount paid by  the Unitholder depending on the  value of the Bonds  on
the date of
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
tender.  Such  value  will vary  with  market and  credit  conditions, including
changes in interest rate  levels. Unitholders should check  with the Trustee  or
their broker to determine the Redemption Price before tendering Units.
 
    While the Trustee has the power to determine Redemption Price when Units are
tendered,  the authority has by  practice been delegated by  the Trustee to John
Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, which  determines the  Redemption Price  on a  daily
basis.
 
    The  "date of  tender" is  deemed to be  the date  on which  the request for
redemption of Units is received  in proper form by  the Trustee, except that  as
regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time or on any day
on  which the New York  Stock Exchange (the "Exchange")  is normally closed, the
date of tender  is the  next day  on which such  Exchange is  normally open  for
trading  and such request will be  deemed to have been made  on such day and the
redemption will be effected at the Redemption Price computed on that day.
 
    Accrued interest paid  on redemption  shall be withdrawn  from the  Interest
Account  of the  appropriate Trust or,  if the balance  therein is insufficient,
from the Principal Account of such  Trust. All other amounts paid on  redemption
shall  be withdrawn from the Principal Account. The Trustee is empowered to sell
underlying Bonds of  a Trust in  order to make  funds available for  redemption.
(See Section 21.) Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
 
    To  the extent that Bonds  are sold from a Trust,  the size and diversity of
such Trust will  be reduced. Such  sales may be  required at a  time when  Bonds
would  not  otherwise  be sold  and  might  result in  lower  prices  than might
otherwise be realized.
 
    The Redemption Price is  determined on the  basis of the  BID prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust, while  the initial Public Offering  Price of Units will be
determined on the  basis of the  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds as  of 4:00  p.m.
eastern  time on any day on which the  Exchange is normally open for trading and
such determination is made. As of any given time, the difference between the bid
and offering  prices of  such Bonds  may  be expected  to average  1% to  2%  of
principal  amount in the case of Bonds  in National, Long Intermediate and State
Trusts, 3/4%  to  1  1/2% in  the  case  of Bonds  in  Intermediate,  and  Short
Intermediate  Trusts and 1/2% to 3/4% in the case of Bonds in Short Term Trusts.
In the case of actively traded Bonds, the difference may be as little as 1/4  to
1/2  of 1%, and in  the case of inactively  traded Bonds such difference usually
will not exceed 3%. The difference between the aggregate offering prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust  and the aggregate  bid prices thereof  on the business day
prior to  the Date  of Deposit  is shown  in the  discussion of  specific  trust
matters.
 
    The  right  of redemption  may be  suspended and  payment postponed  for any
period during  which  the Securities  and  Exchange Commission  determines  that
trading  in the municipal bond market is restricted or an emergency exists, as a
result  of  which  disposal  or  evaluation  of  the  Bonds  is  not  reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission
may by order permit.
 
    Under  regulations issued by the Internal  Revenue Service, the Trustee will
be required to withhold 31% of the principal amount of a Unit redemption if  the
Trustee  has not  been furnished  the redeeming  Unitholder's tax identification
number in the  manner required by  such regulations. Any  amount so withheld  is
transmitted  to  the  Internal  Revenue  Service and  may  be  recovered  by the
Unitholder only when filing  his or her tax  return. Under normal  circumstances
the  Trustee obtains the Unitholder's tax identification number from the selling
broker at the time the Certificate or Book Entry Return Confirmation is  issued,
and  this number is printed on the Certificate or Book Entry Return Confirmation
and on distribution statements. If a Unitholder's tax identification number does
not appear as  described above,  or if it  is incorrect,  the Unitholder  should
contact  the Trustee before redeeming Units to determine what action, if any, is
required to avoid this "back-up withholding."
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
20.  HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR
 
The Trustee will notify the  Sponsor of any tender  of Units for redemption.  If
the  Sponsor's bid in  the secondary market  at that time  equals or exceeds the
Redemption Price it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before  the
close  of business on the  second succeeding business day  and by making payment
therefor to  the  Unitholder not  later  than the  day  on which  payment  would
otherwise have been made by the Trustee. (See Section 19.) The Sponsor's current
practice  is to bid at the Redemption  Price in the secondary market. Units held
by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee for redemption as any other Units.
 
    The Public Offering  Price upon  resale of any  Units thus  acquired by  the
Sponsor  will be  calculated in accordance  with the procedure  described in the
then currently effective prospectus relating to such Units. Any profit resulting
from the resale of  such Units will  belong to the  Sponsor which likewise  will
bear  any loss resulting from a lower  Public Offering Price or Redemption Price
subsequent to its acquisition of such Units.
 
21.  HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS
 
Bonds will be removed from a Trust as they mature or are redeemed by the issuers
thereof. See  the "Schedules  of Investments"  and "General  Trust  Information"
under Section 3 for a discussion of call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    The  Indenture also empowers  the Trustee to  sell Bonds for  the purpose of
redeeming Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses  for
which  income may not be available. Under the Indenture the Sponsor is obligated
to provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust to be sold  in
such  circumstances. In deciding which Bonds  should be sold the Sponsor intends
to consider, among  other things, such  factors as: (1)  market conditions;  (2)
market  prices  of  the  Bonds;  (3)  the  effect  on  income  distributions  to
Unitholders of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on principal amount  of
underlying  Bonds  per Unit  of the  sale  of various  Bonds; (5)  the financial
condition of the issuers; and (6) the effect of the sale of various Bonds on the
investment character of the Trust. Such sales, if required, could result in  the
sale  of Bonds by the Trustee at prices less than original cost to the Trust. To
the extent Bonds are sold, the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced.
 
    In addition, the  Sponsor is empowered  to direct the  Trustee to  liquidate
Bonds upon the happening of certain other events, such as default in the payment
of principal and/or interest, an action of the issuer that will adversely affect
its  ability to continue payment of the  principal of and interest on its Bonds,
or an  adverse  change  in  market, revenue  or  credit  factors  affecting  the
investment  character of the Bonds. If a default in the payment of the principal
of and/or interest  on any  of the  Bonds occurs, and  if the  Sponsor fails  to
instruct  the Trustee whether to  sell or continue to  hold such Bonds within 30
days after  notification by  the Trustee  to the  Sponsor of  such default,  the
Indenture  provides that  the Trustee shall  liquidate said  Bonds forthwith and
shall not be liable for any loss so incurred.
 
    In connection with its  determination as to the  sale or liquidation of  any
Bonds,  the Sponsor  will consider the  Bond's then current  rating, but because
such ratings are the opinions of the rating agencies as to the quality of  Bonds
they  undertake to rate and not absolute  standards of quality, the Sponsor will
exercise its independent judgment as to Bond creditworthiness.
 
    The Sponsor may also direct the Trustee to liquidate Bonds in a Trust if the
Bonds in  the  Trust  are  the  subject  of  an  advanced  refunding,  generally
considered  to be when refunding  bonds are issued and  the proceeds thereof are
deposited in irrevocable trust to retire the refunded Bonds on their  redemption
date.
 
    Except as stated in Section 4 regarding the limited right of substitution of
Replacement Bonds for Failed Bonds, and except for refunding securities that may
be exchanged for
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
Bonds  under certain conditions  specified in the  Indenture, the Indenture does
not permit either the Sponsor or the Trustee to acquire or deposit bonds  either
in  addition to, or in substitution for, any of the Bonds initially deposited in
a Trust.
 
22.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The Trustee is United States Trust Company of New York, with its principal place
of business at 114 West 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 and its  corporate
trust  office at  770 Broadway,  New York, New  York 10003.  United States Trust
Company of New York, established in  1853, has, since its organization,  engaged
primarily  in the  management of trust  and agency accounts  for individuals and
corporations. The Trustee is a member of the New York Clearing House Association
and is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of Banks  of
the  State of New York, the Federal  Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve  System. In connection with the storage  and
handling  of certain  Bonds deposited  in the  Trusts, the  Trustee may  use the
services  of  The  Depository  Trust  Company.  These  services  would   include
safekeeping  of the Bonds and  coupon-clipping, computer book-entry transfer and
institutional delivery  services.  The Depository  Trust  Company is  a  limited
purpose  trust company organized under the Banking Law of the State of New York,
a member of the  Federal Reserve System and  a clearing agency registered  under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
 
    The  Sponsor and the Trustee shall be  under no liability to Unitholders for
taking any action or for  refraining from any action  in good faith pursuant  to
the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
negligence,  lack of good faith or willful  misconduct. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any of the Bonds. In the  event of the failure of  the Sponsor to act under  the
Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not be liable for any action
taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.
 
    The  Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental charges
imposed upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest thereon or upon  it
as  Trustee under  the Indenture or  upon or in  respect of any  Trust which the
Trustee may be required  to pay under  any present or future  law of the  United
States  of  America or  of any  other taxing  authority having  jurisdiction. In
addition,  the  Indenture  contains  other  customary  provisions  limiting  the
liability of the Trustee.
 
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS
 
    The  Trustee or any successor trustee  may resign by executing an instrument
of resignation in writing and filing same with the Sponsor and mailing a copy of
a notice of resignation to all  Unitholders then of record. Upon receiving  such
notice,  the Sponsor is required to promptly appoint a successor trustee. If the
Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver or other public officer shall  take charge of its property or  affairs,
the  Sponsor  may  remove  the  Trustee  and  appoint  a  successor  by  written
instrument. The resignation  or removal of  a trustee and  the appointment of  a
successor trustee shall become effective only when the successor trustee accepts
its appointment as such. Any successor trustee shall be a corporation authorized
to  exercise  corporate  trust  powers, having  capital,  surplus  and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000. Any corporation into which a trustee may be
merged or with which it may  be consolidated, or any corporation resulting  from
any  merger or consolidation to  which a trustee shall be  a party, shall be the
successor trustee.
 
    If upon resignation  of a trustee  no successor has  been appointed and  has
accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee
may  apply  to  a court  of  competent  jurisdiction for  the  appointment  of a
successor.
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
    If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture, and
no express  provision is  made for  action by  the Trustee  in such  event,  the
Trustee  may, in addition to its other  powers under the Indenture (1) appoint a
successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trusts.
 
23.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Sponsor and Underwriter, was founded in 1898
and is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking  firm specializing  in  the
underwriting and distribution of tax-exempt securities and maintains the largest
research  department in the investment  banking community devoted exclusively to
the analysis of municipal securities. In  1961 the Sponsor began sponsoring  the
Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and, since this  time, it has issued more than $30
billion in tax-exempt unit trusts, including over $8 billion in insured  trusts.
The  Sponsor is  also principal underwriter  of the Nuveen  Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc., the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money  Market Fund, Inc., Nuveen Tax-Free  Reserves,
Inc.,  Nuveen California Tax-Free  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.  and Nuveen Tax-Free Money Market  Fund,
Inc.,  all  registered open-end  management investment  companies, and  acted as
co-managing underwriter of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen  California
Municipal  Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen New  York Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen
Municipal Income  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen California  Municipal Income  Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  New York  Municipal Income Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Performance  Plus Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen  California
Performance  Plus  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  New  York  Performance  Plus
Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal Advantage  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Municipal
Market  Opportunity Fund,  Inc., Nuveen California  Municipal Market Opportunity
Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New  York Municipal  Market Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen
Investment  Quality Municipal  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  California Investment Quality
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen New  York Investment Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  Insured Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Florida Investment Quality
Municipal Fund, Nuveen  Pennsylvania Investment Quality  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen
New  Jersey  Investment  Quality Municipal  Fund,  Inc., and  the  Nuveen Select
Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen California  Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  New  York Select  Quality Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Quality Income
Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured Municipal  Opportunity Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen
Florida  Quality Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Michigan Quality Income Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen New Jersey Quality  Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Ohio
Quality   Income  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Quality  Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen  Texas Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Nuveen  California
Quality  Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New  York Quality Income Municipal
Fund, Inc., Nuveen Premier  Insured Municipal Income  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Select
Tax  Free Income  Portfolio, Nuveen Select  Tax Free Income  Portfolio 2, Nuveen
Insured California Select  Tax-Free Income  Portfolio, Nuveen  Insured New  York
Select  Tax-Free Income Portfolio, Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.,
Nuveen Select Tax Free  Income Portfolio 3,  Nuveen Select Maturities  Municipal
Fund, Nuveen Select Tax Free Income Portfolio 4, Nuveen Premium Income Municipal
Fund  3, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured California  Premium Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen Arizona  Premium  Income Municipal  Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen  Insured Florida  Premium Income Municipal
Fund, Nuveen Michigan  Premium Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen New  Jersey
Premium  Income Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Insured  New York  Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Ohio Premium Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen
Pennsylvania   Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  Texas  Premium  Income
Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen   Premium  Income  Municipal   Fund  4,  Inc.,   Nuveen
Pennsylvania  Premium Income  Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen  Insured Florida Premium
Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen  Maryland Premium Income Municipal Fund,  Nuveen
Virginia  Premium  Income Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen Massachusetts  Premium Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured California Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.,
Nuveen Insured New York
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund
2, Nuveen  Washington Premium  Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Michigan  Premium
Income  Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund 5, Nuveen Georgia
Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Missouri  Premium Income Municipal  Fund,
Nuveen  Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen North Carolina Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen
Florida Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New York Premium Income  Municipal
Fund,  Nuveen  California  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen Pennsylvania
Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen Maryland Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen
Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen Ohio Premium Income  Municipal
Fund  2,  Nuveen  Insured Premium  Income  Municipal Fund  2,  Nuveen California
Premium Income  Municipal  Fund  2,  Nuveen Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund  6,
registered closed-end management investment companies. These registered open-end
and  closed-end investment companies currently  have approximately $32.8 billion
in tax-exempt  securities  under  management. Nationwide,  more  than  1,000,000
individual  investors have purchased  Nuveen's tax exempt  trusts and funds. The
present corporation was organized in 1967 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen
Corporation, successor to the original  John Nuveen & Co.  founded in 1898 as  a
sole  proprietorship  and  incorporated in  1953.  In  1974, John  Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated became a wholly-owned subsidiary of The St. Paul Companies, Inc., a
financial services management company located in St. Paul, Minnesota. On May 19,
1992, common shares comprising  a minority interest in  The John Nuveen  Company
("JNC"),  a newly organized corporation which holds all of the shares of Nuveen,
were sold to the general public in an initial public offering. St. Paul  retains
a  controlling interest in JNC  with over 70% of JNC's  shares. The Sponsor is a
member  of  the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  and  the
Securities Industry Association and has its principal offices located in Chicago
(333  W. Wacker Drive) and New York (Swiss  Bank Tower, 10 East 50th Street). It
maintains 14 regional offices.
 
24.  OTHER INFORMATION
AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE
 
    The Indenture may  be amended  by the Trustee  and the  Sponsor without  the
consent  of any of  the Unitholders (1) to  cure any ambiguity  or to correct or
supplement any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or  (2)
to  make such  other provisions as  shall not adversely  affect the Unitholders,
provided, however, that the Indenture may not be amended to increase the  number
of Units in any Trust or to permit the deposit or acquisition of bonds either in
addition  to, or in substitution for any of the Bonds initially deposited in any
Trust except as stated in Section 4 regarding the limited right of  substitution
of  Replacement Bonds and  except for the substitution  of refunding bonds under
certain circumstances. The Trustee shall advise the Unitholders of any amendment
promptly after execution thereof.
 
TERMINATION OF INDENTURE
 
    Each Trust may be liquidated at any  time by written consent of 100% of  the
Unitholders  or by  the Trustee when  the value of  such Trust, as  shown by any
evaluation, is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust  and
will  be  liquidated  by  the Trustee  in  the  event that  Units  not  yet sold
aggregating more  than 60%  of the  Units originally  created are  tendered  for
redemption  by the Sponsor thereby reducing the  net worth of such Trust to less
than 40%  of the  principal amount  of  the Bonds  originally deposited  in  the
portfolio. (See "Essential Information Regarding the Trusts.") The sale of Bonds
from  the Trusts upon termination  may result in realization  of a lesser amount
than might otherwise be realized  if such sale were  not required at such  time.
For  this  reason,  among  others,  the amount  realized  by  a  Unitholder upon
termination  may  be  less  than  the  principal  amount  of  Bonds   originally
represented  by the Units held by  such Unitholder. The Indenture will terminate
upon the
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
redemption, sale or other disposition of  the last Bond held thereunder, but  in
no  event shall it  continue beyond the  end of the  calendar year preceding the
fiftieth anniversary of its execution for National and State Trusts, beyond  the
end  of the calendar  year preceding the twentieth  anniversary of its execution
for Long Intermediate, and Intermediate Trusts or beyond the end of the calendar
year preceding the tenth anniversary of its execution for Short Intermediate and
Short Term Trusts.
 
    Written notice of  any termination  specifying the  time or  times at  which
Unitholders  may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall be
given by  the  Trustee  to each  Unitholder  at  the address  appearing  on  the
registration  books of the Trust maintained  by the Trustee. Within a reasonable
time thereafter the Trustee shall liquidate any Bonds in the Trust then held and
shall deduct  from  the assets  of  the Trust  any  accrued costs,  expenses  or
indemnities  provided  by  the  Indenture which  are  allocable  to  such Trust,
including estimated compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any
amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes  or
other  governmental charges. The Trustee shall then distribute to Unitholders of
such Trust their pro  rata share of  the balance of  the Interest and  Principal
Accounts.  With such  distribution the  Unitholders shall  be furnished  a final
distribution  statement,  in   substantially  the  same   form  as  the   annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in  its sole discretion shall determine that  any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the  same
manner.
 
LEGAL OPINION
 
    The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for the
Trusts for respective state tax matters are named in "Tax Status" for each Trust
under  Section 3. Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn, 2 Wall  Street, New York, New York
10005, has acted as counsel for the Trustee with respect to the Series, and,  in
the absence of a New York Trust from the Series, as special New York tax counsel
for the Series.
 
AUDITORS
 
    The  Statements of Condition and Schedules of Investments at Date of Deposit
included in  this  Prospectus  have  been audited  by  Arthur  Andersen  &  Co.,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report in this Prospectus,
and  are included herein in reliance upon  the authority of said firm as experts
in giving said report.
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.  A  description of the applicable Standard  &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    A  Standard & Poor's rating is  a current assessment of the creditworthiness
of an obligor with  respect to a specific  debt obligation. This assessment  may
take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees.
 
    The  rating is not  a recommendation to  purchase, sell or  hold a security,
inasmuch as  it  does not  comment  as to  market  price or  suitability  for  a
particular investor.
 
    The  ratings are  based on  current information  furnished by  the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard
& Poor's does not  perform an audit  in connection with any  rating and may,  on
occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn  as a result  of changes in,  or unavailability of,  such
information, or for other circumstances.
 
    The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
     I.  Likelihood  of default--capacity and  willingness of the  obligor as to
         the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
         with the terms of the obligation;
 
     II.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
 
    III.  Protection afforded by,  and relative position  of, the obligation  in
          the  event of  bankruptcy, reorganization or  other arrangements under
          the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    AAA--This is the  highest rating  assigned by Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
    AA--Bonds  rated AA have  a very strong  capacity to pay  interest and repay
principal, and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 
    A--Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
 
    BBB--Bonds rated BBB  are regarded  as having  an adequate  capacity to  pay
interest  and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are  more
likely  to lead to a  weakened capacity to pay  interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the higher rated categories.
 
    Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by  the
addition  of a  plus or minus  sign to  show relative standing  within the major
rating categories.
 
    Provisional  Ratings:  The   letter  "p"  indicates   that  the  rating   is
provisional.  A  provisional rating  assumes  the successful  completion  of the
project being financed by  the issuance of the  bonds being rated and  indicates
that  payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon
the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while
addressing credit  quality subsequent  to completion  of the  project, makes  no
comment  on the  likelihood of,  or the  risk of  default upon  failure of, such
completion. Accordingly,  the investor  should exercise  his own  judgment  with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>
    Note  Ratings:  A  Standard  & Poor's  note  rating  reflects  the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to  notes. Notes due in 3 years or  less
will  likely receive  a note  rating. Notes  maturing beyond  3 years  will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.
 
    Note rating symbols are as follows:
 
        SP-1  Very strong  or strong  capacity to  pay principal  and  interest.
              Those   issues   determined   to   possess   overwhelming   safety
              characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.
 
        SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
RATINGS OF INSURED TRUST UNITS.
 
    A Standard  &  Poor's  Corporation's  rating on  the  units  of  an  insured
investment  trust (hereinafter referred to collectively as "units" and "trusts")
is a current assessment of creditworthiness with respect to the investment  held
by  such trust. This assessment takes  into consideration the financial capacity
of the  issuers and  of any  guarantors, insurers,  lessees or  mortgagors  with
respect to such investments. The assessment, however, does not take into account
the  extent to which trust  expenses or portfolio asset  sales for less than the
trust purchase price will reduce payment  to the unitholder of the interest  and
principal  required to be paid on the  portfolio assets. In addition, the rating
is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold units, inasmuch as the  rating
does not comment as to market price of the units or suitability for a particular
investor.
 
    Units rated "AAA" are composed exclusively of assets that are rated "AAA" by
Standard  &  Poor's and/or  certain  short-term investments.  Standard  & Poor's
defines its  AAA  rating for  such  assets as  the  highest rating  assigned  by
Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt obligation.  Capacity to  pay interest  and repay
principal is very strong.  However, unit ratings may  be subject to revision  or
withdrawal  at any time by Standard & Poor's and each rating should be evaluated
independently of any other rating.
 
    MOODY'S INVESTORS  SERVICE, INC.    A brief  description of  the  applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry
the  smallest degree of investment  risk and are generally  referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally  stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to  change, such changes  as can be  visualized are most  unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues. Their safety is so absolute  that,
with  the  occasional  exception  of oversupply  in  a  few  specific instances,
characteristically, their  market  value  is affected  solely  by  money  market
fluctuations.
 
    Aa--Bonds  which  are rated  Aa  are judged  to be  of  high quality  by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are  rated lower than the  best bonds because margins  of
protection  may  not  be  as  large as  in  Aaa  securities  or  fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater  amplitude or there may be other  elements
present  which  make the  long-term  risks appear  somewhat  larger than  in Aaa
securities. Their  market value  is virtually  immune to  all but  money  market
influences,  with  the  occasional exception  of  oversupply in  a  few specific
instances.
 
    A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes  and
are  to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered  adequate, but elements may be  present
which  suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. The market
value of A-rated bonds may be influenced to some degree by economic  performance
during  a sustained period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods
of normalcy, A-rated bonds frequently move in
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>
parallel  with  Aaa  and  Aa  obligations,  with  the  occasional  exception  of
oversupply in a few specific instances.
 
    Moody's  bond rating  symbols may contain  numerical modifiers  of a generic
rating classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the  high
end  of its  category; the  modifier 2  indicates a  mid-range ranking;  and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
    Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa  are considered as medium grade  obligations,
i.e.,  they are neither  highly protected nor  poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear  adequate for the  present but certain  protective
elements  may be lacking or may  be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such  bonds lack outstanding  investment characteristics and  in
fact  have speculative  characteristics as well.  The market  value of Baa-rated
bonds is more  sensitive to changes  in economic circumstances,  and aside  from
occasional  speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa market
valuations move in  parallel with Aaa,  Aa and A  obligations during periods  of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
 
    Con.  (--)--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some
act or the  fulfillment of  some condition  are rated  conditionally. These  are
bonds  secured by (a)  earnings of projects under  construction, (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned  in  operation  experience, (c)  rentals  which  begin  when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches.  Parenthetical rating denotes probable  credit stature upon completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
    Note Ratings:
 
    MIG 1--This designation  denotes  best  quality.  There  is  present  strong
           protection  by established cash flows,  superior liquidity support or
           demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
 
    MIG 2--This designation  denotes high  quality.  Margins of  protection  are
           ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>
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                                      A-41
<PAGE>
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                                      A-42
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-43
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                <S>        <C>
           NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
                           PROSPECTUS
                           140,000 Units
                           North Carolina Traditional
                           Trust 279
                           New York Insured Trust 221
                           Ohio Insured Trust 117
                           Pennsylvania Insured Trust
                           185
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                 <S>        <C>
            NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
           Sponsor             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                               333 West Wacker Drive
                               Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                               Telephone: 312.917.7700
 
                               Swiss Bank Tower
                               10 East 50th Street
                               New York, NY 10022
                               212.207.2000
 
           Trustee             United States Trust Company
                               of New York
                               770 Broadway
                               New York, NY 10003
                               800.257.8787
 
     Legal Counsel             Chapman and Cutler
        to Sponsor             111 West Monroe Street
                               Chicago, IL 60603
 
       Independent             Arthur Andersen & Co.
            Public             33 West Monroe Street
       Accountants             Chicago, IL 60603
    for the Trusts
</TABLE>
 
   Except as to statements made herein furnished by the Trustee, the Trustee has
   assumed  no responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy and completeness of the
   information contained in this Prospectus.
                   This Prospectus does not contain  all of the information  set
   forth in the registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, filed with
   the   Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,   Washington,  D.C.,  under  the
   Securities Act of 1933, and to which reference is made.
                   No person is authorized  to give any  information or to  make
   representations  not contained in  this Prospectus or  in supplementary sales
   literature prepared by the Sponsor, and any information or representation not
   contained therein must not be relied upon as having been authorized by either
   the Trusts, the Trustee or the  Sponsor. This Prospectus does not  constitute
   an  offer to sell,  or a solicitation of  an offer to  buy, securities in any
   State to any  person to  whom it is  not lawful  to make such  offer in  such
   state.  The  Trusts  are registered  as  a  Unit Investment  Trust  under the
   Investment Company Act  of 1940. Such  registration does not  imply that  the
   Trusts  or any of their Units  has been guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or
   approved by the United States or any State or agency or officer thereof.
 
   
   746
    

<PAGE>
                  *********************************************
                  *    PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED  8/17/94  *
                  *********************************************
                          NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    100,000 UNITS                                             SERIES 750
                                                     (A Unit Investment Trust)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

    The attached final Prospectus for a prior Series is hereby used as a
preliminary Prospectus for the above-stated Series.  The narrative 
information and structure of the attached final Prospectus will be 
substantially the same as that of the final Prospectus for this Series.  
Although the attached Prospectus includes trusts as indicated 
therein, the specific trusts included in this Series when deposited may
differ from such trusts.  Information with respect to the actual trusts to
be included, pricing, the number of Units, dates and summary information
regarding the characteristics of securities to be deposited in this Series
is not now available and will be different since each Series has a unique
Portfolio.  Accordingly the information contained herein with regard to the
previous Series should be considered as being included for informational 
purposes only.  Ratings of the securities in this Series are expected to be
comparable to those of the securities deposited in the previous Series.
However, the Estimated Current Return for this Series will depend on the 
interest rates and offering prices of the securities in this Series and may
vary materially from that of the previous Series.

  **************************************************************************
  * A registration statement relating to the units of this Series has been *
  * filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet      *
  * become effective.  Information contained herein is subject to comple-  *
  * tion or amendment.  Such Units may not be sold nor may offers to buy   *
  * be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes       *
  * effective.  This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell      *
  * or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale     *
  * of the Units in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale    *
  * would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the     *
  * securities laws of any such state.                                     *
  **************************************************************************



<PAGE>

Statement of differences between electronic filing and printed document.
   Pursuant to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule
0-11 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant hereby identifies
those differences in the foregoing document between the electronic format in
which it is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
   (1) The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently
because the printed document may contain a different amount of information on
each page from that contained in the electronic transmission.
   (2) On the cover page, in the index and on the last page of the printed
document, solid vertical bars will appear.
   (3) In the printed document, footnote symbols may include a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger".  The "dagger" symbol is represented as # in the electronic
document.
   (4) The printed and distributed prospectus will not  contain the
preliminary prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first
prospectus page.


<PAGE>

                 NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 750

                             Cross-Reference Sheet

                     Pursuant to Rule 404(c) of Regulation C
                        under the Securities Act of 1933

               (Form N-8B-2 Items Required by Instruction 1 as
                           to Prospectus on Form S-6)

FORM N-8B-2                                      FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER                                      HEADING IN PROSPECTUS

    I.   ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  (a)  Name of trust                    )   Prospectus Cover Page
    (b)  Title of securities issued       )

2.  Name and address of Depositor         )23 Information About the Sponsor

3.  Name and address of Trustee           )22 Information About the Trustee

4.  Name and address of principal         )23 Information About the Sponsor
    Underwriter                           )

5.  Organization of trust                 ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
                                          )   Unit Trust?

6.  Execution and termination of          ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    Trust Agreement                       )   Unit Trust?
                                          )22 Information About the Trustee
                                          )24 Other Information

7.  Changes of Name                                    *

8.  Fiscal Year

9.  Litigation

    II.  GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST

10. General Information regarding         ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
    trust's securities                    ) 5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?
                                           13 When Are Distributions
                                              Made to Unitholders?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                              Without Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts
                                          )22 Information About the Trustee
                                          )23 Information About the Sponsor
                                          )24 Other Information

                                          )11 What Is The Tax Status of
                                          )   Unitholders?

11. Type of securities comprising         ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    units                                 )   Unit Trust?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          ) 2 What Are The Objectives Of
                                          )   The Trusts?
                                            5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?

12. Certain information regarding         )   *
    periodic payment certificates         )

13. (a)Load, fees, expenses, etc.         )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   the Trusts on Date of Deposit of
                                                Bonds
                                          ) 6 How Is The Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          ) 7 Market For Units
                                          ) 8 What Is Accrued Interest?
                                          ) 9 What Is The Estimated Current
                                          )   Return?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )    Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   to Certificateholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                                Certificateholders?


<PAGE>


    (b)Certain information regarding      )   *
       periodic payment certificates      )


    (c)Certain percentages                ) 6 How Is the Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          ) 7 Market For Units
                                          ) 9 What Is The Estimated Current
                                          )   Return?
                                          )10 How Was The Price of the Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          ) 8 What is Accrued Interest?

    (d)Certain other fees, etc.           )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
       payable by holders                 )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units

    (e)Certain profits receivable         ) 4 Composition of Trusts
       by depositor, principal under-     )
       writer, trustee or affiliated      )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
       persons                            )   The Sponsor

    (f)Ratio of annual charges
       to income                                *

14. Issuance of trust's securities        ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   To Unitholders?
                                          )18 Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge

15. Receipt and handling of payments      )   *
    from purchasers                       )

16. Acquisition and Disposition of        ) 1 What Is The Nuveen Tax-Exempt
    Underlying Securities                 )   Unit Trust?
                                          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          ) 5 Why and How are the Bonds
                                              Insured?
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                              Without Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts
                                          )24 Other Information

17. Withdrawal or redemption              ) 7 Market For Units
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

18. (a)Receipt and disposition of income  ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are  Distributions
                                              Made To Unitholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                          )   Unitholders?

    (b)Reinvestment of distributions      )14 Accumulation Plan

    (c)Reserves or special funds          ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          )13 When Are Distributions
                                          )   Made To Certificateholders?

    (d)Schedule of distributions          )   *

19. Records, accounts and reports         )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   To Certificateholders?
                                          )15 How Detailed Are Reports To
                                          )   Certificateholders?

20. Certain miscellaneous provisions of   )22 Information About the Trustee
    Trust Agreement                       )23 Information About the Sponsor
                                          )24 Other Information


<PAGE>


21. Loans to security holders             )   *

22. Limitations on liability              ) 3 Summary of Portfolios
                                          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
                                          )22 Information About The Trustee

23. Bond arrangements                     )   *

24. Other material provisions of Trust    )   *
    Agreement.                            )

    III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR

25. Organization of Depositor             )23 Information About the Sponsor

26. Fees received by Depositor            )   *

27. Business of Depositor                 )23 Information About the Sponsor

28. Certain information as to officials   )  *
    and affiliated persons of Depositor   )

29. Voting Securities of Depositor        )23 Information About the Sponsor

30. Persons controlling Depositor         )
                                          )
31. Payments by Depositor for certain     )
    services rendered to trust            )
                                          )   *
32. Payments by Depositor for certain     )
    other services rendered to trust      )
                                          )
33. Remuneration of employees of Depositor)
    for certain services rendered to trust)
                                          )
34. Remuneration of other persons for     )
    certain services rendered to trust    )

<PAGE>


    IV.  DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

35. Distribution of trust's securities by )
    states                                )
                                          )   *
36. Suspension of sales of trust's        )
    securities                            )
                                          )
37. Revocation of authority to distribute )

38. (a)Method of distribution             )
                                          )
    (b)Underwriting agreements            )17 How Units of The Trusts Are
                                          )   Distributed To The Public
    (c)Selling agreements                 )

39. (a)Organization of principal          )
         underwriter                      )
                                          )23 Information About The Sponsor
    (b)NASD membership of principal       )
         underwriter                      )

40. Certain fees received by principal    )   *
    underwriter


41. (a)Business of principal underwriter  )
                                          )
    (b)Branch offices of principal under- )    *
       writer                             )
                                          )
    (c)Salesmen of principal underwriter  )

42. Ownership of trust's securities by    )   *
    certain persons                       )
                                          )
43. Certain brokerage commissions received)   *
    by principal underwriter              )

44. (a)Method of valuation                )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   The Trusts On Date Of Deposit Of
                                          )   Bonds
                                          ) 6 How Is The Public Offering Price
                                          )   Determined?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?


    (b)Schedule as to offering price      )   *

    (c)Variation in offering price to     ) 6 How Is the Public Offering Price
       certain persons                    )   Determined?
                                          ) 8 What Is Accrued Interest?
                                          )10 How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                          )   Determined At Date of Deposit?

<PAGE>


45. Suspension of redemption rights       )   *

46. (a)Redemption valuation               )16 Unit Value and Evaluation
                                          )19 How Units May Be Redeemed
                                          )   Without Charge
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

    (b)Schedule as to redemption price    )   *

47. Maintenance of position in underlying ) 5 How Is the Public Offering Price
    securities                            )   Determined?
                                          )20 How Units May Be Purchased By
                                          )   The Sponsor

    V.   INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN

48. Organization and regulation of Trustee)21 Information About The Trustee

49. Fees and expenses of Trustee          )ii Essential Information Regarding
                                          )   The Trusts On Date of Deposit Of
                                          )   Bonds
                                          )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?

50. Trustee's lien                        )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
                                          )   Expenses?
                                          )13 When Are Distributions Made
                                          )   To Unitholders?

    VI.  INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

51. Insurance of holders of trust's       )   *
    securities                            )

                        VII.  POLICY OF REGISTRANT

52. (a)Provisions of trust agreement with )12 What Are Normal Trust Operating
       respect to selection or elimination)   Expenses?
       of underlying securities           )19 How Units May Be Redeemed With-
                                          )   out Charge
                                          )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts

    (b)Transactions involving elimination )   *
       of underlying securities           )

    (c)Policy regarding substitution or   ) 3 Summary of Portfolio
       elimination of underlying          ) 4 Composition of Trusts
       securities                         )21 How Bonds May Be Removed From
                                          )   The Trusts

    (d)Fundamental policy not otherwise   )   *
       covered                            )

53. Tax status of trust                   )11 What Is The Tax Status Of
                                          )   Unitholders?

    VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION

54. Trust's securities during last ten years)   *

55.)                                      )   *
56.)Certain information regarding         )
57.)periodic payment certificates         )
58.)                                      )

__________

*Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.



<PAGE>

                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A.  BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:

    The Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for
    its officers, directors and employees:

    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                     AMOUNT

    United Pacific Insurance Co.                           $10,000,000
    Reliance Insurance Company
    B 74 92 20

    Aetna Casualty and Surety                              $10,000,000
    08 F10618BCA

    St. Paul Insurance Co.                                 $ 6,000,000
    400 HC 1051

B.  This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

    The facing sheet

    The Prospectus

    The signatures

    Consents of Counsel

    Exhibits


<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 750, has duly caused 
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned 
thereunto  duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on 
8/17/94.
 

                               NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 750
                                  (Registrant)

                                  By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                  (Depositor)

                              
                                    By:  James J. Wesolowski 
                                         _______________________
                                         Vice President
                                         

                              
                                Attest:  Larry Woods Martin
                                         ___________________
                                         Assistant Secretary 
                                         


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated:

SIGNATURE                    *TITLE                        DATE

Richard J. Franke       Chairman, Board of Directors, )
                        Chief Executive Officer and   )
                        Director                      )
                                                      )
Donald E. Sveen         President, Chief Operating    )
                        Officer and Director          )
                                                      )
Anthony T. Dean         Executive Vice President and  )James J. Wesolowski
                        Director                      )Attorney-in-Fact**
                                                      )
Timothy T. Schwertfeger Executive Vice President and  )
                        Director                      )
                                                      )
O. Walter Renfftlen     Vice President and Controller )
                        (Principal Accounting Officer))
                                                      )
                                                      )8/17/94

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


*The titles of the persons named herein represent their capacity in and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.

**The powers of attorney were filed on Form SE for Messrs. Franke, Sveen,
Renfftlen, Dean and Schwerfeger with the Amendment to the Registration
Statement on Form S-6 of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 671
(File No. 33-49175). 




<PAGE>


                          CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

    The consent of Chapman and Cutler to the use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement will be filed by Amendment.

                            CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL

    The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the
use of their names in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement
will be filed by Amendment.

                    CONSENT OF STANDARD + POOR'S CORPORATION

    The consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation to the use of its name
in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by
Amendment.

                    CONSENT OF KENNY S+P EVALUATION SERVICES

    The consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by Amendment.

                      CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN

    The consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement will be filed by Amendment.

                        CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.

    The consent of Arthur Andersen & Co. to the use of its report and to the
reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in the Registration 
Statement will be filed by Amendment.



<PAGE>

LIST OF EXHIBITS:

    1.1(a)    Copy of Trust Indenture and Agreement between John Nuveen & Co.
              Incorporated, Depositor, and United States Trust Company of
              New York, Trustee.  Filed as Exhibit 1.1(A) to the Sponsor's
              Registration Statement filed with respect to Series 723
              (File No. 33-52527) and is incorporated herein by reference. 

    1.1(b)    Schedules to Trust Indenture and Agreement (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    1.2*      Copy of Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of John Nuveen
              & Co. Incorporated, Depositor.

    1.3**     Copy of amendment of Certificate of Incorporation changing name
              of Depositor to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated.

    2.1       Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1(A) and
              Incorporated herein by reference).

    3.1       Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered
              (to be supplied by amendment).

    3.2       Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities
              being registered (to be supplied by amendment).

    3.3       Consents of special state counsel to the Fund for state tax
              matters to use of their names in the Prospectus (to be supplied
              by amendment).

    4.1       Consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    4.2       Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    4.3       Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn (to be supplied by
              amendment).

    6.1       List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related
              information.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-1547) filed on behalf 
of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 16.

**Incorporated by reference to Form N-8B-2 (File No. 811-2198) filed on behalf
of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 37.

<PAGE>
                                                             EXHIBIT 6.1

                         JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                             OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

                                       A.

OFFICERS

Richard J. Franke                      Chairman, Board of Directors,
                                       Chief Executive Officer and Director
Donald E. Sveen                        President, Chief Operating Officer
                                       and Director
Anthony T. Dean                        Executive Vice President and Director
Timothy R. Schwertfeger                Executive Vice President and Director
O. Walter Renfftlen                    Vice President and Controller
Paul E. Greenawalt                     Vice President
Anna R. Kucinskis                      Vice President
George P. Thermos                      Vice President
H. William Stabenow                    Vice President and Treasurer
Thomas C. Muntz                        Vice President
Robert B. Kuppenheimer                 Vice President
Paul C. Williams                       Vice President
Michael G. Gaffney                     Vice President
Robert D. Freeland                     Vice President
Bradford W. Shaw, Jr.                  Vice President
Stuart W. Rogers                       Vice President       
James J. Wesolowski                    Vice President, General Counsel
                                       and Secretary
Stephen D. Foy                         Vice President, Assistant
                                       Controller and Assistant Secretary
Larry W. Martin                        Vice President, Assistant General
                                       Counsel and Assistant Secretary
Gifford R. Zimmerman                   Vice President, Assistant General
                                       Counsel and Assistant Secretary 
Morrison C. Warren                     Assistant Secretary
Karen L. Healy                         Assistant Secretary

DIRECTORS

Richard J. Franke                      Chairman, Board of Directors,
                                       Chief Executive Officer and Director
Donald E. Sveen                        President, Chief Operating Officer
                                       and Director
Anthony T. Dean                        Executive Vice President and Director
Timothy R. Schwertfeger                Executive Vice President and Director


    The principal business address of Messrs. Franke, Sveen, Dean and
Schwertfeger is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.

                                       B.

    Each officer and director of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has been an
officer, director or employee of the firm, or its corporate predecessor, for
more than five years, except as follows:

    Mr. Morrison C. Warren became Associate Counsel in August, 1993 and
Assistant Secretary in March 1994.  From September 1991 until August 1993
he was associated with the law firm of Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, Illinois.
From September 1988 until May 1991 he was a student at the University of 
Notre Dame Law School.

    Ms. Karen L. Healy joined the firm as a Legal Assistant in November, 1991
and became an Assistant Secretary in March 1994.  From October 1989 until
November 1991 she was a Legal Assistant with the law firm of Schiff Hardin
& Waite, Chicago, Illinois.  From August 1987 until October 1989 she was a 
Legal Assistant with the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.     

8/17/94
Chicago, Illinois


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