Carbon dioxide chemistry: Examples and challenges in chemical utilization of carbon dioxide

Abstract

The development of catalytic methods for chemical transformation of CO 2 into useful compounds is of paramount importance from a standpoint of C1 chemistry and so-called green chemistry. The kinetic and thermodynamic stability of CO 2 molecule presents significant challenges in designing efficient chemical transformations based on this potential feedstock. In this context, efforts to convert CO 2 to useful chemicals will inevitably rely on its activation through molecular catalysts, particularly transition-metal catalysts. Two preparative processes employing solid catalyst or CO 2 -philic homogeneous catalyst were devised for environmentally benign synthesis of organic carbonates and oxazolidinones under solvent-free conditions. Those processes represent pathways for greener chemical fixations of CO 2 to afford industrial useful materials such as organic carbonates and oxazolidinones with great potential applications.