In the presence of Et₃ SiH, hydration of alkenes can be accomplished using cobalt catalysts with high yield (Scheme 2). The reaction is general and provides effective route for the oxidation of alkenes to alcohols under mild conditions.

Scheme 2

Cobalt(II)-complexes with aldehyde or β-ketoester have also have been found to be effective method for the oxidation of alcohols to give aldehydes or ketones under molecular oxygen (Scheme 3). The reaction conditions can be employed for the oxidation of alkanes to give alcohols and carbonyl compounds.

Scheme 3