Selective N-Formylation of Amines with H2 and CO2 Catalyzed by Cobalt Pincer Complexes

N-formylation of amines utilizing CO2 in the presence of reducing agents constitute an important methodology in organic synthesis. Presented herein is a selective N-formylation of amines with CO2 and H2 catalyzed by complexes of Earth-abundant cobalt. A wide range of amines were converted to their corresponding formamides under CO2 and H2 pressure, catalyzed by Co-PNP pincer complex, generating water as the sole byproduct.