Advances in CO 2 activation by frustrated Lewis pairs: from stoichiometric to catalytic reactions

The rise of CO concentrations in the environment due to anthropogenic activities results in global warming and threatens the future of humanity and biodiversity. To address excessive CO emissions and its effects on climate change, efforts towards CO capture and conversion into value adduct products such as methane, methanol, acetic acid, and carbonates have grown. Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) can activate small molecules, including CO and convert it into value added products. This review covers recent progress and mechanistic insights into intra- and inter-molecular FLPs comprised of varying Lewis acids and bases (from groups 13, 14, 15 of the periodic table as well as transition metals) that activate CO in stoichiometric and catalytic fashion towards reduced products.