Work

Toward Sustainable Carbonylation Reactions Enabled by CO Surrogates in Green Solvents

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbonylation reactions represent a powerful strategy in synthetic chemistry, because they enable the straightforward incorporation of carbonyl functionalities into organic substrates through transition-metal catalysis in the presence of various nucleophiles. Traditionally, these transformations have been conducted under high pressures of carbon monoxide (CO), a lethal gas, and have relied on volatile organic solvents (VOCs) that are often toxic and derived from petroleum resources, thereby raising significant environmental and safety concerns. In line with the principle of green chemistry, this review summarizes recent advances in carbonylation reactions based on organic and inorganic CO surrogates that safely generate CO on demand within the reaction system, with a specific focus on strategies combining safer CO sources and green solvents classified as more sustainable alternatives to conventional VOCs according to the GSK solvent selection guide.

Source: ChemSusChem

DOI: 10.1002/cssc.70797

Authors: Francesco Messa, Serena Perrone, Antonio Salomone

Institutions: University of Bari Aldo Moro, University of Salento

Language: English

Topic: Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis

Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,550