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Published on: December 6, 2021
Hydrogen production from formic acid catalyzed by NHC-Cu complexes
Orlando Santoro1,2, Catherine S J Cazin1,3
1EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, UK.
Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry
|May 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces the first N-heterocyclic carbene copper-catalyzed decomposition of formic acid. Formic acid decomposition with silanes yields only hydrogen, while with amines, it produces both hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Formic acid (FA) is a potential hydrogen storage material.
- Efficient decomposition of FA into H2 and CO2 is crucial for applications.
- Copper-catalyzed reactions offer sustainable alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first N-heterocyclic carbene copper-catalyzed decomposition of formic acid.
- To investigate the reaction pathway and products under different conditions.
- To explore the influence of additives like silanes and amines on the decomposition.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with copper catalysts.
- Employing phenylsilane (PhSiH3) as a scavenger for CO2.
- Reacting formic acid with amines to study co-decomposition.
Main Results:
- NHC-Cu catalysis efficiently decomposes formic acid.
- In the presence of PhSiH3, only H2 is generated, with CO2 captured by the silane.
- Decomposition of FA with amines yields equimolar H2 and CO2.
- Catalyst efficiency is significantly influenced by the amine structure.
Conclusions:
- N-heterocyclic carbene copper complexes are effective catalysts for formic acid decomposition.
- The reaction pathway can be controlled by additives, enabling selective H2 production.
- Amine choice is critical for efficient co-production of H2 and CO2.
- This work provides a new catalytic system for formic acid valorization.
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