Structurally Versatile Ligand System for the Ruthenium Catalyzed One-Pot Hydrogenation of CO₂ to Methanol

The direct hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol represents a challenging transformation for molecular catalyst, and only a few systems facilitate this reaction. Herein, molecular complexes based on the tridentate tdppcy ligand are described, enabling the variable synthesis of structurally tailored catalytic systems. In combination with selected ruthenium precursors and suitable cocatalysts the direct hydrogenation of carbon dioxide could be demonstrated with unprecedented activity. Moreover, the versatile catalyst allowed the reaction in two-phase systems, paving the way to adapted reaction concepts for the utilization of the renewable carbon source carbon dioxide.