CO₂Fixation and Catalytic Reduction by a Neutral Aluminum Double Bond

Abstract

Abstract CO 2 fixation and reduction to value‐added products is of utmost importance in the battle against rising CO 2 levels in the Earth's atmosphere. An organoaluminum complex containing a formal aluminum double bond (dialumene), and thus an alkene equivalent, was used for the fixation and reduction of CO 2 . The CO 2 fixation complex undergoes further reactivity in either the absence or presence of additional CO 2 , resulting in the first dialuminum carbonyl and carbonate complexes, respectively. Dialumene ( 1 ) can also be used in the catalytic reduction of CO 2 , providing selective formation of a formic acid equivalent via the dialuminum carbonate complex rather than a conventional aluminum–hydride‐based cycle. Not only are the CO 2 reduction products of interest for C 1 added value products, but the organoaluminum complexes isolated represent a significant step forward in the isolation of reactive intermediates proposed in many industrially relevant catalytic processes.