Metal phosphonates find their way for CO2 cycloaddition: A mini-review

The efficient conversion of CO2 into valuable products at ambient conditions is crucial for eco-friendly and sustainable catalysis. Designing a competent and novel catalytic system demands profitable utilization of CO2 to alleviate the global warming caused by the unrestricted use of fossil fuels, industrialization, and other human activities. Metal phosphonates are the rising star for highly efficient catalysis. Several studies prove their potential for CO2 cycloaddition, but relevant research is relatively scarce. This review demonstrates recent achievements of metal phosphonates research, from a wide range of synthesis approaches for incorporating different organic functionalities and controlling porosity to their application as heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical conversion of CO2. A systematic study of their catalytic performance, the mechanism for CO2 coupling with aziridines and epoxides, and challenges and prospects will be explained.