Carbon dioxide chemistry: Examples and challenges in chemical utilization of carbon dioxide*

The development of catalytic methods for chemical transformation of CO2 into useful compounds is of paramount importance from a standpoint of C1 chemistry and so-called green chemistry. The kinetic and thermodynamic stability of CO2 molecule presents significant challenges in designing efficient chemical transformations based on this potential feedstock. In this context, efforts to convert CO2 to useful chemicals will inevitably rely on its activation through molecular catalysts, particularly transition-metal catalysts. Two preparative processes employing solid catalyst or CO2-philic homogeneous catalyst were devised for environmentally benign synthesis of organic carbonates and oxazolidinones under solventfree conditions. Those processes represent pathways for greener chemical fixations of CO2 to afford industrial useful materials such as organic carbonates and oxazolidinones with great potential applications.