Metal-free dehydrogenation of formic acid to H2 and CO2 using boron-based catalysts

Formic acid is at the crossroads of novel sustainable energy strategies because it is an efficient H2 carrier. Yet, its decomposition to H2 today relies on metal-based catalysts. Herein, we describe the first metal-free catalysts able to promote the dehydrogenation of formic acid. Using dialkylboran...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical science (Cambridge) 2015-05, Vol.6 (5), p.2938-2942
Main Authors: Chauvier, Clément, Tlili, Anis, Das Neves Gomes, Christophe, Thuéry, Pierre, Cantat, Thibault
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemical Sciences
Coordination chemistry
Material chemistry
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Summary:Formic acid is at the crossroads of novel sustainable energy strategies because it is an efficient H2 carrier. Yet, its decomposition to H2 today relies on metal-based catalysts. Herein, we describe the first metal-free catalysts able to promote the dehydrogenation of formic acid. Using dialkylborane derivatives, HCOOH is decomposed to H2 and CO2, in the presence of a base, with high selectivity. Experimental and computational results point to the involvement of bis(formyloxy)borates as key intermediates in the C–H bond activation of a formate ligand
ISSN:2041-6520
2041-6539
DOI:10.1039/c5sc00394f