Abstract:
The results of numerous experimental studies of the composition of the products fromed on interaction of hydrocarbons with transition metal atoms or ions in the gas phase at room temperature are surveyed. In all cases organometallic intermediates are formed, their decomposition leading to the final reaction products. The results presented are of great interest for the understanding of the chemical nature of the elementary steps in the reactions of hydrocarbons in heterogeneous catalysis. The bibliography includes 68 references.