Exploring the Reactivity of Nickel Pincer Complexes in the Decomposition of Formic Acid to CO₂/H₂ and the Hydrogenation of NaHCO₃ to HCOONa

Abstract

Abstract The nickel‐catalyzed decomposition of formic acid to yield molecular hydrogen and the nickel‐catalyzed hydrogenation of bicarbonate as a carbon dioxide mimic have been examined. Well‐defined nickel complexes modified by a PCP‐pincer ligand, especially nickel hydride and nickel formate complexes, revealed catalytic activity with turnover numbers of up to 626 (decomposition) and 3000 (hydrogenation). Thus, a formal hydrogen storage and release cycle performed by a well‐defined nickel catalyst was accomplished.