Efficient photochemical reduction of CO2to CO by visible light irradiation of systems containing Re(bipy)(CO)3X or Ru(bipy)32+–Co2+combinations as homogeneous catalysts

Abstract

Efficient photogeneration of either (CO + H₂) simultaneously, or CO selectively, occurs on visible light irradiation of CO₂ solutions in (HOCH₂CH₂)₃N–dimethylformamide containing, respectively, Ru(bipy)₃ ²⁺–Co²⁺ combinations or the single component Re(bipy)(CO)₃X (X = Cl, Br) as homogeneous catalysts.