Enantioselective incorporation of CO2: status and potential

Abstract

CO₂ is a promising and sustainable carbon feedstock for organic synthesis. New catalytic protocols for efficient incorporation of CO₂into organic molecules are continuously being reported. However, little progress has been made in the enantioselective conversion of CO₂to form enantioenriched molecules. In order to allow CO₂to become a versatile carbon source in academia and in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the development of enantioselective approaches is essential. Here we discuss general strategies for CO₂activation and for generation of enantioenriched molecules, alongside selected examples of reactions involving asymmetric incorporation of CO₂. The main product classes considered are carboxylic acids and derivatives (C–CO₂bonds) and carbonates, carbamates, and polycarbonates (C–OCO bonds). Similarities to asymmetric hydrogenation are discussed, and some strategies for developing novel enantioselective CO₂reactions are outlined.