Mechanistic organometallic chemistry

This chapter recognizes the vital role played by organometallic chemistry in the understanding of industrial process applications and looks at developments in organometallic chemistry which occurred in parallel to industrial applications. It refers to the successful commercial application of homogeneous catalysis. This is based on a good understanding of the underlying organometallic chemistry. It also illustrates a framework of transformations upon which the construction of catalytic cycles can be based. The chapter discusses the rules of organometallic complexes and their reactions. This emphasizes that diamagnetic organometallic complexes of transition metals may exist in significant concentration at moderate temperatures. It describes organometallic reactions that proceed by a series of elementary steps involving intermediates with 16 or 18 valence electrons.