ScholarWorks@성균관대학교

초록

Anthropogenic accumulation of CO2 has prompted the urgent need for carbon-neutral technologies that integrate environmental sustainability with molecular innovation. In this context, catalytic conversion of CO2 into energyrelevant and value-added compounds is a transformative strategy for closing the carbon loop. This review highlights the recent progress in organocatalytic and transition-metal-free approaches for CO2 valorization, including methanol and methane synthesis for sustainable fuel applications, as well as the generation of cyclic carbonates, carbamates, N-methylamine, N-formylamine, heterocycles, and fine chemicals under mild conditions. Special focus has been placed on three key catalyst platforms-NHCs (N-heterocyclic carbenes), FLPs (frustrated Lewis pairs), and TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene)-type guanidine bases-that facilitate efficient CO2 activation via zwitterionic or bifunctional intermediates. Mechanistic insights, scope of substrate compatibility, and the evolution of catalyst design are systematically discussed to elucidate their roles in advancing CO2-based synthetic methodologies. Furthermore, the integration of these catalytic systems with renewable resources and green reductants offers a promising direction for the development of low-carbon chemical manufacturing. By connecting molecular-level innovation with sustainable process design, this review highlights the emerging potential of organocatalytic CO2 utilization in the broader context of energy transition, environmental protection, and carbon resource circularity.

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