Zirconium Complexes in Synthesis and Catalysis

Data on the use of organometallic complexes of zirconium as key intermediates in organic synthesis and the catalysis of the transformations of alkenes, dienes, and acetylenes have been systematised. The hydrozirconation of unsaturated compounds and the reactions of alkyl- and alkenylzirconium complexes with electrophilic reagents, α,β-unsaturated ketones, aryl and vinyl halides, and salts of transition and non-transition metals have been examined. The use of zirconium complexes as catalysts in the homogeneous hydrogenation, isomerisation, linear dimerisation, and oligomerisation of alkenes and dienes, and the hydro- and carbometallation of the latter, have been considered. The mechanisms of these reactions have been discussed. The bibliography contains 147 references.