Acrylates from Alkenes and CO2, the Stuff That Dreams Are Made of

How Nonpolar CO2 Aggregates on Cycloalkenes: A Case Study with Cyclopentene-(CO2)1-3 Clusters

This study explores the molecular clusters of cyclopentene (CPE) with one to three CO2 molecules (CPE-(CO2)1-3) through their jet-cooled rotational spectra using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy with supplementary quantum chemical calculations. The assembly of CPE-(CO2)1-3 clusters is predominantly driven by tetrel bonding networks, notably C···π(C═C) and C···O interactions, with additional stabilization from weak C─H(CH2)···C═O hydrogen bonds. Critically, the dispersive forces play a pivotal role in stabilizing CO2 aggregation on CPE, eclipsing the effects of electrostatic and orbital interactions. This highlights the complex balance of forces that govern the formation and stabilization of these molecular clusters. Our findings offer precise insights into noncovalent interactions that could enhance atmospheric chemistry models and sustain climate science through informed environmental chemistry strategies.

Aluminyl derived ethene functionalization with heteroallenes, leading to an intramolecular ligand rearrangement

The aluminacyclopropane K[Al(NON)(η-C2H4)] ([NON]2- = [O(SiMe2NDipp)2]2-, Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) reacts with CO2 and iPrNCNiPr to afford ring-expanded products of C-C bond formation. The latter system undergoes a 1,3-silyl retro-Brook rearrangement of the NON-group, to afford the [NNO]2- ligand ([NNO]2- = [N(Dipp)SiMe2N(Dipp)SiMe2O]2-). The mechanism of transformation was examined by density functional theory (DFT).

Control of the synthesis and morphology of nano dendritic CuAl2O4 as a nanocatalyst for photoredox-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with amines and CO2

Various morphologies of a nano CuAl₂O₄ fiber microsphere were produced through diverse synthesis situations.

Pyridine-Chelated Imidazo[1,5-a]Pyridine N-Heterocyclic Carbene Nickel(II) Complexes for Acrylate Synthesis from Ethylene and CO2

Nickel(II) dichloride complexes with a pyridine-chelated imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-ylidene py-ImPy ligand were developed as novel catalyst precursors for acrylate synthesis reaction from ethylene and carbon dioxide (CO2), a highly promising sustainable process in terms of carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Two types of ImPy salts were prepared as new C,N-bidentate ligand precursors; py-ImPy salts (3, 4a–4e) having a pyridine group at C(5) on ImPy and a N-picolyl-ImPy salt (10) having a picolyl group at N atom on ImPy. Nickel(II) complexes such as py-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 (7, 8a–8e) and N-picolyl-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 (12) were synthesized via transmetalation protocol from silver(I) complexes, py-ImPyAgCl (5, 6a–6e) and N-picolyl-ImPyAgCl (11). X-ray diffraction analysis of nickel(II) complexes (7, 8b, 12) showed a monomeric distorted tetrahedral geometry and a six-membered chelate ring structure. py-ImPy ligands formed a more planar six-membered chelate with the nickel center than did N-picolyl-ImPy ligand. py-ImPyNi(II)Cl2 complexes (8a–8e) with tert-butyl substituents exhibited noticeable catalytic activity in acrylate synthesis from ethylene and CO2 (up to 108% acrylate). Interestingly, the use of additional additives including monodentate phosphines increased catalytic activity up to 845% acrylate (TON 8).

Molybdenum and tungsten complexes with carbon dioxide and ethylene ligands

The first examples of stable metal complexes with coordinated ethylene and carbon dioxide ligands are reported. Reaction of tris(ethylene) complexes mer-M(C₂H₄)₃(PNP) (M = Mo and W; PNP = 2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) with CO₂ yields the corresponding, mixed cis-M(C₂H₄)₂(CO₂)(PNP) derivatives. X-ray studies reveal six-coordinate structures exhibiting η²-ethylene and κ²-C,O carbon dioxide coordination. Remarkably, the formation of the molybdenum CO₂ adduct occurs also in the solid state at room temperature, under 4 bar of CO₂, in a nearly quantitative manner.

Development of N-Phosphinomethyl-Substituted NHC-Nickel(0) Complexes as Robust Catalysts for Acrylate Salt Synthesis from Ethylene and CO2

By using a nickel complex with an N-phosphinomethyl-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (NHC-P), the reducing ability and thermal stability of the complex were improved considerably compared to the previously reported bipyridine and bisphosphine complexes, and acrylate salt was prepared from ethylene and CO₂ with the highest TON ever reported for nickel systems even without using metallic zinc. Oxidative cyclization of ethylene and CO₂ on the NHC-P nickel complex was found to proceed very rapidly compared to previous systems.

Current advances in the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide by molecular catalysts: an update

Recent advances (2015–) in the catalytic conversion of CO₂ by metal-based and metal-free systems are discussed.

The coupling of carbon dioxide with ethene to produce acrylic acid sodium salt in one pot by using Ni(II) and Pd(II)-phosphine complexes as precatalysts

The use of CO2 as a feedstock for chemical synthesis is considered as a viable alternative option to some traditional processes. One of the most interesting challenge for the industry is represented by the CO2 coupling with olefins to produce acrylate. Only recently, with the choice of suitable ligands and the use of a sacrificial base, a selective catalytic reaction was established by using Ni(0)-based complexes. The one-pot reaction, which leads to the highest TON (107 mol/mol Ni, in 20 h) reported so far, was successfully developed starting from Ni(0)-based precursors in the presence of disphosphine ligands, a large excess of base and of finely powdered zinc. In the present paper, we carried out the catalytic synthesis of sodium acrylate from CO2 and ethene, in one-pot, by using Ni(II)-chloride and Pd(II)-chloride phosphine-complexes as precatalyst. The reaction occurs under basic conditions and without adding any external reductants. The Ni(II) complexes lead to higher TON than the respective Pd(II) precursors and the best results are obtained by using diphosphines having high bite angles. Such catalysis is favored by aprotic and polar solvents in which a TON of 290 mol/mol Ni is reached by using the [NiCl2(dppp)] precursor in DMSO. Furthermore the TON could be increased by increasing the temperature, the base concentration and by using diphosphine ligands having high bite angle.

A DFT Study of CO2 Hydrogenation on Faujasite-Supported Ir4 Clusters: on the Role of Water for Selectivity Control

Reaction mechanisms for the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ by faujasite‐supported Ir₄ clusters were studied by periodic DFT calculations. The reaction can proceed through two alternative paths. The thermodynamically favoured path results in the reduction of CO₂ to CO, whereas the other, kinetically preferred channel involves CO₂ hydrogenation to formic acid under water‐free conditions. Both paths are promoted by catalytic amounts of water confined inside the zeolite micropores with a stronger promotion effect for the reduction path. Co‐adsorbed water facilitates the cooperation between the zeolite Brønsted acid sites and Ir₄ cluster by opening low‐energy reaction channels for CO₂ conversion.

Acrylate formation from CO2 and ethylene: catalysis with palladium and mechanistic insight

The first palladium catalyst for the reaction of CO₂, alkenes and a base to acrylates is reported (TON up to 50).