Migratory Insertion - Insertion of Alkenes Into M-H Bonds

Insertion of Alkenes Into M-H Bonds

The insertion of alkenes into metal-hydrogen bonds is a key step in hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions. The reaction involves the alkene and the hydride ligands combining within the coordination sphere of a catalyst. In hydrogenation, the resulting alkyl ligand combines with a second hydride to give the alkane. Analogous reactions apply to the hydrogenation of alkynes: a alkenyl ligand combines with a hydride to eliminate an alkene.