The lower the better: Efficient carbonylative reactions under atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an indispensable C1 building block that has been recognized as a potent feedstock for synthesizing carbonyl-containing molecules. Carbonylative reactions conducted at 1 atm of CO are particularly attractive, because they do not require special equipment, such as an autoclave, and avoid the risks of high-pressure reactions. The main contributions to carbonylative conversion under 1 atm of CO are summarized and discussed in this thorough overview of the literature since 1983. Based on substrate and reaction type, this review is divided into four parts: carbonylation of CH, C − halogen, and C − X (X = N, O, S) bonds and carbonylation through photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. In addition, the mechanisms of these protocols are demonstrated and discussed where appropriate.