[Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl]-Catalyzed reduction of carbon dioxide. Mechanistic insights by carbon-13 kinetic isotope effects

In this work, we examine the use of competitive 13 C kinetic isotope effects ( 13 C KIEs) on CO 2 reduction reactions that produce CO and formic acid as a means to formulate reaction mechanisms. The findings reported here mark a further advancement in the combined 13 C KIE measurements and theoretical calculations methodology for probing CO 2 conversion reactions. 13 C kinetic isotope effect determinations combined with DFT calculations provide insight on the CO 2 reduction reaction catalyzed by a ruthenium complex.