Manganese Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Organic Carbonates to Methanol and Alcohols

Abstract

The first example of a homogeneous catalyst based on an earth-abundant metal for the hydrogenation of organic carbonates to methanol and alcohols is reported. Based on the mechanistic investigation, which indicates metal-ligand cooperation between the manganese center and the N-H group of the pincer ligand, we propose that the hydrogenation of organic carbonates to methanol occurs via formate and aldehyde intermediates. The reaction offers an indirect route for the conversion of CO₂ to methanol, which coupled with the use of an earth abundant catalyst, makes the overall process environmentally benign and sustainable.

Keywords: Manganese; carbon dioxide; carbonates; hydrogenation; methanol.