A new mode of activation of CO2 by metal-ligand cooperation with reversible C-C and M-O bond formation at ambient temperature

Team work: Although CO(2) binding to metal centers usually involves π coordination to a C=O group or σ bonds to the carbon or oxygen atom of the CO(2) molecule, a new mode of metal-ligand cooperative activation of CO(2) to a ruthenium PNP pincer complex involving aromatization/dearomatization steps is presented in experimental and theoretical studies (see scheme).