Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid

In recent years, the utilization of carbon dioxide as alternative C1 building block has gained more and more scientific interest and has been intensely investigated. Especially the homogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to formic acid and its derivates has been well studied. Recently, an increase in product formation was achieved by further development of the homogeneous catalysts. Currently, iridium-based catalysts offer the highest catalytic activity known in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. The present chapter gives a wide overview of various catalyst systems, which have been investigated so far. In addition, current research on the continuously operated hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in miniplant scale with a promising concept for catalyst recycling is presented.