Activation of CO2 by a Heterobimetallic Zr/Co Complex

At room temperature, the early/late heterobimetallic complex Co(iPr2PNMes)3Zr(THF) has been shown to oxidatively add CO2, generating (OC)Co(iPr2PNMes)2(μ-O)Zr(iPr2PNMes). This compound can be further reduced under varying conditions to generate either the Zr oxoanion (THF)3Na–O–Zr(MesNPiPr2)3Co(CO) or the Zr carbonate complex (THF)4Na2(CO3)-Zr(MesNPiPr2)3Co(CO). Additionally, reactivity of the CO2-derived product has been observed with PhSiH3 to generate the Co-hydride/Zr-siloxide product (OC)(H)Co(iPr2PNMes)3ZrOSiH2Ph.