Organometallic alkane CH activation

The title topic is reviewed with emphasis on catalysis and on recent advances. Alkane sigma complexes, Shilov chemistry and oxidative addition routes are covered. Attention is also given to sigma bond metathesis, surface-bound organometallics and CH activation involving carbene complexes. Closely related reactions of non-alkane substrates such as the Murai reaction are also discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.