Catalytic applications of zwitterionic transition metal compounds

Abstract

This frontiers article highlights recent developments on the application of transition metal-based zwitterionic complexes in catalysis. Recent applications of selected zwitterionic catalysts in polymerization reactions, including the carbonylative polymerization of cyclic ethers, carbon–carbon coupling reactions, the asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized olefins, and the hydrofunctionalization of alkenes are reviewed. In addition, advances in the field of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions related to energy applications, including the hydrogenation of CO₂ and the dehydrogenation of formic acid and N-heterocycles, the functionalization of CO₂ with amines and hydrosilanes, and the valorization of polyfunctional bio-based feedstocks, such as the dehygrogenation of glycerol to lactic acid or the reduction of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone, are also described.