Uranium-mediated carbon dioxide activation and functionalization

The importance of CO2 activation and functionalization is undeniable, given the surge of effort in this area in the last few decades. Uranium complexes have begun to emerge as excellent candidates for small molecule activation, often exemplified by their varied and unprecedented chemistry with CO2. In this review, we present accounts of carbon dioxide activation and functionalization mediated by uranium complexes in various oxidation states from low-valent (+3), mid-valent (+4), to high-valent (+5).

Graphical abstractThe importance of CO2 activation and functionalization is undeniable, given the surge of effort in this area in the last few decades. In this review, we present accounts of carbon dioxide activation and functionalization mediated by uranium complexes in various oxidation states from low-valent (+3), mid-valent (+4), to high-valent (+5).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Comprehensive review of uranium-mediated carbon dioxide activation and functionalization. ► Reactivity of uranium complexes towards CO2 are organized and discussed according to oxidation states from U(III) to U(V). ► U-mediated transformations of CO2 include formation of CO, oxo, CO2-, carbonate, carboxylate, thiocarbonate, and more.