Enantioselective Incorporation of CO₂: Status and Potential

Abstract

CO2 is a promising and sustainable carbon feedstock for organic synthesis. New catalytic protocols for efficient incorporation of CO2 into organic molecules are continuously being reported. However, little progress has been made in the enantioselective conversion of CO2 to form enantioenriched molecules. In order to allow CO2 to become a versatile carbon source in academia and in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the development of enantioselective approaches is essential. Here we discuss general strategies for CO2 activation and for generation of enantioenriched molecules, alongside selected examples of reactions involving asymmetric incorporation of CO2. The main product classes considered are carboxylic acids and derivatives (C–CO2 bonds) and carbonates, carbamates, and polycarbonates (C–OCO bonds). Similarities to asymmetric hydrogenation are discussed, and some strategies for developing novel enantioselective CO2 reactions are outlined.