N-Heterocyclic carbene supported zinc catalysed N-formylation of diverse N–H functionalities with carbon dioxide under ambient conditions

Abstract

Reductive functionalization of CO₂ for the synthesis of valuable formamide derivatives remains a challenge. Herein, we report a heteroditopic NHC ligand-supported environment-friendly zinc catalysed effective N-formylation of N–H moieties with CO₂ using hydrosilane as a reductant. Notably, this protocol works effortlessly under 1 bar CO₂ pressure at room temperature using a low catalyst loading and is compatible with a wide range of N–H functionalities (amines, hydrazides, hydrazines, and amides), offering excellent functional group tolerance, and chemoselectivity. The synthetic utility of the obtained formamides was showcased by synthesizing biologically relevant compounds.