Transfer hydrogenation of carbon dioxide via bicarbonate promoted by bifunctional C–N chelating Cp*Ir complexes

Abstract

Metal–ligand cooperative Cp*Ir(III) complexes derived from primary benzylic amines effectively promote transfer hydrogenation of atmospheric CO₂ using 2-propanol at 80 °C. Isotope-labelling experiments strengthen that active Ir species can preferentially reduce bicarbonate congeners formed from CO₂. The powerful transfer hydrogenation catalyst exhibits remarkable activity for the conversion of bicarbonates into formate salts with a turnover number up to 3200, even without H₂ and CO₂.