Metal-carbon and carbon-carbon bond formation from small molecules and one carbon functional groups

Abstract

Metal promoted elementary transformations on C1 molecules (C02, CH2O, CO), including their reversible fixation, are described. Utilization of monofunctional vs bifunctional (acidbase) complexes represents the main point in the strategy for the activation of a C1 molecule, the primary objective being the formation of a reactive metal-carbon bond. Simulation of CO2 by related molecules discloses general pathways leading to a C-C bond formation from one carbon functional groups. Transformations of a 2-C,O metal-bonded formaldehyde generated metal-bonded species supposed to be key intermediates in carbon monoxide reduction and in C2 units synthesis. A comparison is sketched on some extreme models [early transition metals vs copper(I)] to be used in carbon monoxide activation processes.