This invention provides a method for producing organometallic compounds RnM (M=alkali or alkaline earth element, R=alkyl residue) where n=valence of the metal M and R=alkyl residue with 2 to 18 C atoms. In the method of this invention, an olefin is hydrometalated in an alkyl methyl ether, or in a solvent mixture containing an alkyl methyl ether, by means of the metal M and in the presence of a hydrogen source and in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, wherein the molar ratio between alkyl methyl ether and metal M is at least 0.01:1 and at most 50:1.