Addition of water or alcohols to alkenes

Acidic montmorillonite clays catalyse the addition of water or alcohols to olefins [138]. Alkenes which give rise to more stable carbocation intermediates react more rapidly than unsubstituted ones (e.g. equation 4.33) [139]. 

Acid-exchanged zeolite A can also be used to catalyse the hydration of a wide range of olefins, such as terpenes (e.g. equation 4.34) [140, 141]. 

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The synthesis of alcohols, ethers, and ketones by metal-catalyzed addition of water or alcohols to alkenes and alkynes is a well-established reaction in organic chemistry. Many regio- and stereoselective modifications of these reactions are known. In contrast, the analogous addition of ammonia or primary and secondary amines to nonactivated alkenes and alkynes has not had a comparable development, in spite of extensive efforts. In this section, we summarize the recent results of amination to unsaturated compounds. 

The addition of water or alcohols to alkenes is readily catalyzed by Bronsted acids. The hydroamination reaction constitutes the analogous process using amines. Why do adds commonly not catalyze this process ... 

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