Complexes [(P2)Rh(hfacac)](P2= bidentate chelating phosphane, hfacac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation: correlations between solid state structures, 103Rh NMR shifts and catalytic activities

Abstract

Complexes [(P₂)Rh(hfacac)]1a–h are the most effective catalyst precursors for catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ to formic acid in organic solvents allowing turnover frequencies of up to 1335 h^–1; ¹⁰³Rh NMR shifts of these complexes in solution are mainly determined by the P–Rh–P angle as obtained from solid state structures and have predictive potential for the catalytic activity of structurally related phosphanes P₂.