Dimerisation of Alkenes

This review discusses published work on catalysts, reaction conditions, composition of products, and mechanism, relating to the dimerisation of alkenes. It is shown that dimerisation is a very important practical method of synthesis of higher alkenes of various structures. The relationship between the type of catalyst activity and the course of the reaction is demonstrated in the specific case of the dimerisation of propene. An analysis of the activity and selectivity of catalysts is given, and the effectiveness of various methods of dimerisation is assessed from the point of view of their industrial exploitation. The most detailed discussion is given to the literature on the dimerisation of alkenes under the influence of complex organometallic catalysts, which have a very high activity. The major areas of application of dimers as intermediates in petrochemical and general organic synthesis are indicated. 139 references.