Isomerization and Hydrogenation of Alkenes

Abstract Alkene isomerization and hydrogenation both using H 2 and sacrificial hydrogen donors are important reactions in synthetic chemistry. These reactions are normally catalyzed by second‐ or third‐row transition metals, but there has been significant recent interest in the development of first‐row systems. The different mechanisms for both alkene isomerization and hydrogenation are discussed along with strategies for catalyst modification to improve selectivity.