Coordination and Activation of Alkanes, CO and CO2 at Metal Centres

Abstract

The activation of small molecules with transition metals is a key step in a number of important catalytic and biological processes. Within this vast field of research there is particular contemporary interest in reactions involving carbon-based substrates such as alkanes, CO and CO2. These small molecules, while all related through oxidation and reduction reactions, have very divergent properties and interact with metal centers differently. Despite this, activation of these carbon-based small molecules is conceptually linked through the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson bonding model and practically linked through chemical methods that upgrade hydrocarbons or recycle CO2. In this article we survey the coordination chemistry of alkanes, CO and CO2. We discuss the bonding and the role coordination plays in bond activation and reactivity.