Catalytic methylation of C-H bonds using CO₂ and H

Formation of C-C bonds from CO2 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 CO2 and H2 has been reported. Described herein is the combination of CO2 and H2 for efficient methylation of carbon nucleophiles such as indoles, pyrroles, and electron-rich arenes. Comparison experiments which employ paraformaldehyde show similar reactivity for the CO2/H2 system.