Catalytic Methylation of CH Bonds Using CO 2 and H 2

Formation of CC bonds from CO 2 is a much sought after reaction in organic synthesis. To date, other than CH carboxylations using stoichiometric amounts of metals, base, or organometallic reagents, little is known about CC bond formation. In fact, to the best of our knowledge no catalytic methylation of CH bonds using CO 2 and H 2 has been reported. Described herein is the combination of CO 2 and H 2 for efficient methylation of carbon nucleophiles such as indoles, pyrroles, and electron‐rich arenes. Comparison experiments which employ paraformaldehyde show similar reactivity for the CO 2 /H 2 system.