Role of a Noninnocent Pincer Ligand in the Activation of CO2 at (PNN)Ru(H)(CO)

This communication describes the activation of CO2 at the Ru pincer complex (PNN)Ru(H)(CO) (PNN = 6-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethylene)-2-(N,N-diethylaminomethyl)-1,6-dihydropyridine). The reaction proceeds to completion within minutes at room temperature to form a C-C bond between the pincer ligand and the electrophilic carbon atom of CO2. The characterization of both the kinetic and thermodynamic products of CO2 activation and the reversibility of this C-C bond formation are discussed.