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Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Homogeneous Catalysis in N-Formylation/N-Methylation Utilizing Carbon Dioxide as the C1 Source
Indranil Dutta1, Sandeep Suryabhan Gholap2, Mohammad Misbahur Rahman1
1Chemistry Program, Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering and KAUST Catalysis Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The growing emphasis on sustainable chemistry has driven research into utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a nontoxic, abundant, and cost-effective C1 building block. CO2 offers a promising avenue for direct conversion into valuable chemicals ranging from fuels to pharmaceuticals. This review focuses on the utilization of CO2 for reductive N-formylation/N-methylation reactions of various amines, providing advantages over conventional methods involving toxic CO and other methylating reagents. The approach employs readily available reductants such as silane, borane reagents, and hydrogen (H2). The discussion encompasses recent developments in transition metal and organocatalyst systems for these reactions, highlighting mechanistic interpretations and factors influencing product selectivity.
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