Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Carboxylation Reactions with Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

Driven by the inherent synthetic potential of CO₂ as an abundant, inexpensive and renewable C₁ chemical feedstock, the recent years have witnessed renewed interest in devising catalytic CO₂ fixations into organic matter. Although the formation of C-C bonds via catalytic CO₂ fixation remained rather limited for a long period of time, a close look into the recent literature data indicates that catalytic carboxylation reactions have entered a new era of exponential growth, evolving into a mature discipline that allows for streamlining the synthesis of carboxylic acids, building blocks of utmost relevance in industrial endeavors. These strategies have generally proven broadly applicability and convenient to perform. However, substantial challenges still need to be addressed reinforcing the need to cover metal-catalyzed carboxylation area in a conceptual and concise manner, delineating the underlying new principles that are slowly emerging in this vibrant area of expertise.

Keywords: carbon dioxide; carboxylations; homogeneous catalysis; nickel; organometallic reagents.