First row transition metal catalyzed small molecule activation for sustainable organic transformation: Synergy between nature and chemist’s toolbox

Abstract

In this review we have tried to present our view on the synergy between nature and chemists’ toolbox toward discovery of new reactions. Toward the search for new chemical reactivity, not only chemists learn from nature but nature’s evolutionary pathway perhaps has footprints of chemist’s innovative discoveries and beyond. Taking CO2 as a representative example of an abundant energy rich small molecule resource, we have tried to explore the probable strategies of activating the molecule using first row transition metal catalysts for sustainable organic transformation. Our study has tried to unfold nature’s strategy of CO2 activation and recycling which eventually motivated chemists toward discovery of new chemical reactions and further inspired to expand their toolbox for discovering new reactivities beyond the natural enzyme repertoire. The basic chemical CO2 activation strategy which have been focused in this review are using CO2 as a C1 building block in organic synthesis; catalytic reductive formylation and methylation of amines; carboxylation reactions via CO2 insertion. Additionally, carbonylation reactions with CO2 as CO surrogate has also been discussed. The focus of this review is to correlate nature’s chemical strategies with chemist’s approach to understand the concept involved in the chemical activation and utilization process of CO2 for unlocking new reaction paradigm, both for chemists’ and for nature’s catalytic repertoire.