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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
CO2: a wild solvent, tamed
Stephen Cummings1, Kieran Trickett, Robert Enick
1School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
Abstract:
This article reviews approaches for modification of solvent properties of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)), with particular reference to self-assembly of oligomeric and polymeric solute additives. Of special interest are viscosity modifiers for scCO(2) based on molecular self-assembly. Background on polymers and surfactants with CO(2)-compatible functionalities is covered, leading on to the attempts made so far to increase the scCO(2) viscosity, which are described in detail. The significance of this field, and the implications a breakthrough could bring environmentally and economically will be addressed.
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