Aromaticity as Stabilizing Element in the Bidentate Activation for the Catalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide

A new
transition-metal-free mode for the catalytic reduction of
carbon dioxide via bidentate interaction has been developed. In the
presence of Li2[1,2-C6H4(BH3)2], CO2 can be selectively transformed to
either methane or methanol, depending on the reducing agent. The bidentate
nature of binding is supported by X-ray analysis of an intermediate
analogue, which experiences special stabilization due to aromatic
character in the bidentate interaction. Kinetic studies revealed a
first-order reaction rate. The transformation can be conducted without
any solvent.