Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO), a high-oxidation-state transition metal complex, has been found to be a highly efficient catalyst in the last decade. The physical and chemical properties, the wide application to catalysis of a range of organic reactions, and theoretic as well is experimental researches on the catalytic methanism of MTO are reviewed. Close attention has also been paid to the prospects of the work on MTO's catalyied reaction.

Key words: CATALYST, REACTION MECHANISM, CATALYTIC REACTION