CO2 = CO + [O]: recent advances in carbonylation of C–H bonds with CO2

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an ideal one-carbon source owing to its nontoxicity, abundance, availability, and recyclability. Although the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO₂ bring its utilization challenges, many groups have achieved significant progress in the utilization of CO₂ to synthesize valuable carbonyl-containing compounds, which could be also generated via oxidative carbonylation of C–H bonds with CO. As CO₂ has a higher oxidation state than CO, it could be considered as a combination of CO and oxidant (CO₂ = CO + [O]), thus providing a safe, redox-neutral and economic strategy. In this Feature Article, we have summarized the recent advances in carbonylation of C–H bonds with CO₂ based on this concept. The plausible mechanisms of such reactions and future of this field are also discussed.