Synthesis of heterobimetallic Ru-Mn complexes and the coupling reactions of epoxides with carbon dioxide catalyzed by these complexes

New Co and Mn Catalysts Bearing ONO Ligands Containing Nucleophile for the Coupling of CO2 and Propylene Oxide

A series of novel ONO ligands bearing an ionic pendant-armed (hereinafter indicated as ONONu, where Nu corresponds to an anionic nucleophile) were synthesized, characterized, and successfully coordinated to cobalt and manganese precursors. New air-stable cobalt (III) complexes (1–6) and manganese (II) complexes (7 and 8) were obtained and characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the Co(III) compound 5 confirmed the presence of two quaternized ligands coordinated to the metal and iodide as counterion. These novel complexes were revealed to be active catalysts in the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide (PO) in different degrees of success. Among these, the manganese complex 8 afforded the best results towards the formation of propylene carbonate (PC) with a productivity of 256 kg PC/(kg cat·h), achieving a TON of 4860.

Self-Assembled Bimetallic Aluminum-Salen Catalyst for the Cyclic Carbonates Synthesis

Bimetallic bis-urea functionalized salen-aluminum catalysts have been developed for cyclic carbonate synthesis from epoxides and CO₂. The urea moiety provides a bimetallic scaffold through hydrogen bonding, which expedites the cyclic carbonate formation reaction under mild reaction conditions. The turnover frequency (TOF) of the bis-urea salen Al catalyst is three times higher than that of a μ-oxo-bridged catalyst, and 13 times higher than that of a monomeric salen aluminum catalyst. The bimetallic reaction pathway is suggested based on urea additive studies and kinetic studies. Additionally, the X-ray crystal structure of a bis-urea salen Ni complex supports the self-assembly of the bis-urea salen metal complex through hydrogen bonding.

Rational Design of a ZnII MOF with Multiple Functional Sites for Highly Efficient Fixation of CO2 under Mild Conditions: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

The development of efficient heterogeneous catalysts suitable for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) under mild conditions is a promising step towards mitigating the growing concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Herein, we report the construction of a hydrogen-bonded 3D framework, {[Zn(hfipbba)(MA)]⋅3 DMF}_n (hfipbba=4,4'-(hexaflouroisopropylene)bis(benzoic acid)) (HbMOF1) utilizing Zn^II center, a partially fluorinated, long-chain dicarboxylate ligand (hfipbba), and an amine-rich melamine (MA) co-ligand. Interestingly, the framework possesses two types of 1D channels decorated with CO₂ -philic (-NH₂ and -CF₃ ) groups that promote the highly selective CO₂ adsorption by the framework, which was supported by computational simulations. Further, the synergistic involvement of both Lewis acidic and basic sites exposed in the confined 1D channels along with high thermal and chemical stability rendered HbMOF1 a good heterogeneous catalyst for the highly efficient fixation of CO₂ in a reaction with terminal/internal epoxides at mild conditions (RT and 1 bar CO₂ ). Moreover, in-depth theoretical studies were carried out using periodic DFT to obtain the relative energies for each stage involved in the catalytic reaction and an insight mechanistic details of the reaction is presented. Overall, this work represents a rare demonstration of rational design of a porous Zn^II MOF incorporating multiple functional sites suitable for highly efficient fixation of CO₂ with terminal/internal epoxides at mild conditions supported by comprehensive theoretical studies.

Catalytic Reactions by Heterobimetallic Carbonyl Complexes with Polar Metal–Metal Interactions

Heterobinuclear catalysts capable of bimetallic cooperative bond activation provide an alternative pathway to approach the discovery of novel and unique reactivity and selectivity in catalytic transformations, complementing more traditional mononuclear precious metal catalysts. This review summarizes recent advances in homogenous catalysis using heterobimetallic carbonyl catalysts with polar metal–metal interactions.

1 Introduction

2 Hydrogenation and Hydrofunctionalization

3 Carbonylation and Carboxylation

4 Oxidative Transformations

5 Conclusion and Outlook

1,1-Addition of α-C2-Bridged Biphospholes with Alkynes

An unusual chemoselective 1,1-addition of α-C₂-bridged biphospholes to terminal alkynes is reported. The developed protocol provides simple access to the unknown 1,3-diphosphepines, which has potential applications in the coordination and catalyst chemistry. Their Pd and Mo complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. This method features excellent chemoselectivity, high step and atom economy, mild reaction conditions, and wide substrate scope.

Cyclic Carbonate Formation from Epoxides and CO2 Catalyzed by Sustainable Alkali Halide-Glycol Complexes: A DFT Study to Elucidate Reaction Mechanism and Catalytic Activity

We provide a comprehensive DFT investigation of the mechanistic details of CO2 fixation into styrene oxide to form styrene carbonate, catalyzed by potassium iodide-tetraethylene glycol complex. A detailed view on the intermediate steps of the overall reaction clarifies the role of hydroxyl substances as co-catalysts for the alkali halide-catalyzed cycloaddition. The increase of iodide nucleophilicity in presence of tetraethylene glycol is examined and rationalized by NBO and Hirshfeld charge analysis, and bond distances. We explore how different alkali metal salts and glycols affect the catalytic performance. Our results provide important hints on the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides promoted by alkali halides and glycol complexes, allowing the development of more efficient catalysts.

Construction of a bifunctional Zn(ii)–organic framework containing a basic amine functionality for selective capture and room temperature fixation of CO2

The construction of a novel 3D, porous, bifunctional Zn(ii)–organic framework featuring two-types of 1D channels for efficient fixation of CO₂ to cyclic carbonates under solvent-free mild conditions of RT is reported.

Mechanistic guidelines in nonreductive conversion of CO2: the case of cyclic carbonates

This perspective provides general mechanistic guidelines for the catalytic formation of cyclic organic carbonates from CO₂ and cyclic ethers.

Metal β-diketonate complexes as highly efficient catalysts for chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions

The potential of metal β-diketonate complexes for the catalysis of the chemical fixation of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates at 1 atm CO₂ and near room temperature was demonstrated. Their potential for the capture and simultaneous conversion of CO₂ in a dilute CO₂ stream was also determined. The catalysts were easily synthesized and commercially available. Therefore, this CO₂ transformation was less energy- and material-consuming, which made this reaction closer to true "green" chemistry.

Construction of a 3D porous Co(ii) metal–organic framework (MOF) with Lewis acidic metal sites exhibiting selective CO2 capture and conversion under mild conditions

The application of a 3D Co(ii)-MOF as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for conversion of CO₂ to cyclic carbonates is reported.

1,1-Diphosphines and divinylphosphines via base catalyzed hydrophosphination

A catalytic hydrophosphination route to 1,1-diphosphines is yet to be reported: these narrow bite angle pro-ligands have been used to great effect as ligands in homogeneous catalysis. We herein demonstrate that terminal alkynes readily undergo double hydrophosphination with HPPh2 and catalytic potassium hexamethyldisilazane (KHMDS) to generate 1,1-diphosphines. A change to H2PPh leads to the formation of P,P-divinyl phosphines.

Electrophilic activation of alkynes for enyne cycloisomerization reactions with in situ generated early/late heterobimetallic Pt-Ti catalysts

In situ formation of heterobimetallic Pt-Ti catalysts enables rapid room temperature catalysis in enyne cycloisomerization reactions. The Lewis acidic titanium atom in the ligand framework is shown to be essential for fast catalysis. A range of enyne substrates are efficiently cyclized to carbocycles and heterocycles in high yield.

Ambient chemical fixation of CO2 using a highly efficient heterometallic helicate catalyst system

Two novel heptanuclear 3d–4f helicates have been synthesized and characterized.

Comparing kinetic profiles between bifunctional and binary type of Zn(salen)-based catalysts for organic carbonate formation

Zn(salen) complexes have been employed as active catalysts for the formation of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂. A series of kinetic experiments was carried out to obtain information about the mechanism for this process catalyzed by these complexes and in particular about the order-dependence in catalyst. A comparative analysis was done between the binary catalyst system Zn(salphen)/NBu₄I and a bifunctional system Zn(salpyr)·MeI with a built-in nucleophile. The latter system demonstrates an apparent second-order dependence on the bifunctional catalyst concentration and thus follows a different, bimetallic mechanism as opposed to the binary catalyst that is connected with a first-order dependence on the catalyst concentration and a monometallic mechanism.

Polymetallic complexes linked to a single-frame ligand: cooperative effects in catalysis

In an eco-friendly development, catalysis represents the key approach for converting raw materials into valuable products, particularly convenient for multi-step transformations. Mimicking Nature seems the smartest way to design poly-functional assemblies leading to the design of "synergic" catalysts. This perspective focuses on the advances in the conception of polymetallic catalysts bonded to a single ligand frame.

Pentaerythritol and KI: An Efficient Catalytic System for the Conversion from CO2 and Epoxides to Cyclic Carbonates

An efficient reaction of epoxides with carbon dioxide to generate the corresponding cyclic carbonates employing pentaerythritol/KI, does not need solvent.

Cycloaddition Reaction of Carbon Dioxide to Epoxides Catalyzed by Polymer-Supported Quaternary Phosphonium Salts

Polymer-supported quaternary phosphonium salt (PS-QPS) was explored as effective catalyst for the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide with epoxides. The results indicated that cyclic carbonates with high yields (98.6%) and excellent selectivity (100%) could be prepared at the conditions of 5 MPa CO2, 150°C, and 6 h without the addition of organic solvents or cocatalysts. The effects of various reaction conditions on the catalytic performance were investigated in detail. The catalyst is applicable to a variety of epoxides, producing the corresponding cyclic carbonates in good yields. Furthermore, the catalyst could be recovered easily and reused for five times without loss of catalytic activity obviously. A proposed mechanism for synthesis of cyclic carbonate in the presence of PS-QPS was discussed. The catalyst was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. It is believed that PS-QPS is of great potential for CO2fixation applications due to its unusual advantages, such as easy preparation, high activity and selectivity, stability, low cost, and reusability.