Iron-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Alkyl Formates and Carbon Dioxide
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Alkyl formates are crucial components in biomass polyoxygenated derivatives, and their hydrogenation favors methanol and alcohol production, emerging substances as alternative energy sources. In addition, these substrates are intermediates in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in the presence of alcohols, pointing to their importance in the field. Despite there being several reports on the catalyzed hydrogenation of aryl esters, the hydrogenation of alkyl formates remains largely unexplored. This study addresses alkyl and aryl formate hydrogenation using iron(II) precursors with nitrogenated ligands based on imino- and aminopyridine-substituted azoles (benzotriazole and pyrazole). The investigation also sheds light on the catalytic activity’s dependence on the ligands’ electronic and steric effects, as well as the influence of amine and imine substituents. A systematic study on additives that provide iron-hydrides like LiBHEt 3 and dihydrogen activation using LiHMDS enhanced the activity and selectivity of iron complexes. The catalytic system of iron complexes and additives shows heightened activity, influenced by the ligand’s azole ring, amine or imine substitution, and coordinating halides and solvents. The catalytic system achieved a remarkable activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of ethyl formate as well as the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in the presence of ethanol.
Source: Organometallics
Institution: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Language: English
Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G2483798238, G3009983497
OpenAlex ID: W4407504236