Anti-Markovnikov hydration of α-olefins and the other pathways to n-alcohols

Three possible mechanisms of the direct hydration of α-olefins under conditions of catalysis with metal complexes in solution are considered, and information that confirms the possible realization of the reaction steps of various types is presented. Factors determining the regioselectivity of reaction steps are considered in the framework of various mechanisms, and the available published data about catalytic systems capable of ensuring the direct hydration of α-olefins are analyzed. New approaches to organization of the synthesis of n-alcohols from olefins and dienes are discussed, which are based on the systems of consecutive reactions, conjugated, and combined (associated) processes.