Homogeneous Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide with Transition Metal Complexes

Abstract

Recent advances in the efficiency of the homogeneous catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide may bring CO2 fixation by this method from a research curiosity into an industrially applicable process. The reduction of CO2 to bulk chemicals such as dimethylformamide, methyl formate, and methanol offers a safer alternative to toxic CO-based processes. This review describes stoichiometric and homogeneously catalyzed reactions of CO2, especially those which involve hydrogenation by hydrogen gas. The newly discovered advantages of supercritical CO2 as a medium for its own fixation will be particularly highlighted. © 1994, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan. All rights reserved.