TBu₃P/ZnR₂ (R=Et, I) frustrated lewis pair catalysts for functionalization and reduction of CO₂

The functionalization and reduction of CO₂ are important targets not only because of concerns about its accumulation or the impact of this greenhouse gas on Earth's climate, but also because of its potential as a C-1 feedstock. In this work, both functionalization and reduction of CO₂ were performed using tBu₃P/ZnR₂ (R=Et, I) "frustrated Lewis pairs" (FLPs). Phosphine-catalyzed carboxylation of alkyl-Zn bonds and catalytic reduction of CO₂ using silanes as hydride sources and tBu₃P/ ZnR₂ (R=Et, I) FLPs as catalysts are reported. This is also the first time Zn-based FLP chemistry in functionalization of CO₂ is reported.