Reductive coupling of carbon monoxide in carbonyl complexes with pendant Lewis acids or bases

Abstract

An approach to conversion of light alkanes to value added mols. involves conversion via steam reforming to syngas, a mixt. of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen, with subsequent conversion to chems. and liq. fuels. Heterogeneous Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons and oxygenates is well established, but selectvity is poor and subsequent upgrading to useful products is required. Recent progress has been made aimed at developing a homogeneous, more selective catalyst system for converting syngas to Cn>1 products by an approach involving two metals: one to coordinate carbon monoxide and to promote C-C bond formation, another to activate H2 and deliver it to CO and its partially reduced fragments. Recent progress toward using transition metal carbonyls with appended Lewis acid or bases will be discussed.