Homogeneous syngas conversion

Recent approaches to the homogeneous conversion of synthesis gas to organic chemicals and fuels are reviewed. Progress in this field is placed in the context of important industrially practiced transformations, such as the Fischer-Tropsch process for conversion of synthesis gas to higher alkanes, as well as previous attempts to produce a viable homogeneous alternative. Approaches to homogeneous syngas conversion discussed in some detail include the reduction of transition metal carbonyl complexes by main group hydrides or transition metal hydrides; unusual routes to formyls including radical-based late transition metal chemistry; early metal and lanthanide reductive couplings; cluster chemistry; and Lewis acid-assisted transformations. Our current research combines a number of these concepts in an attempt to convert syngas selectively to multicarbon organic fragments. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.