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 tBu(3)P/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 tBu(3)P/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.