Selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate by water-stable iridium dihydride pincer complexes

Abstract

Iridium dihydride complexes supported by PCP-type pincer ligands rapidly insert CO(2) to yield κ(2)-formate monohydride products in THF. In acetonitrile/water mixtures, these complexes become efficient and selective catalysts for electrocatalytic reduction of CO(2) to formate. Electrochemical and NMR spectroscopic studies have provided mechanistic details and structures of key intermediates.