Highly Efficient Carbon Monoxide Capture by Carbanion-Functionalized Ionic Liquids through C-site Interactions

A novel method for the highly efficient and reversible capture of CO in carbanion-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) by a C-site interaction is reported. Because of its supernucleophilicity, the carbanion in ILs could absorb CO efficiently. As a result, a relatively high absorption capacity for CO (up to 0.046 mol mol−1) was achieved under ambient conditions, compared with CO solubility in a commonly used IL [Bmim][Tf2N] (2×10−3 mol mol−1). The results of quantum mechanical calculations and spectroscopic investigation confirmed that the chemical interaction between the C-site in the carbanion and CO resulted in the superior CO absorption capacities. Furthermore, the subsequent conversion of captured CO into valuable chemicals with good reactivity was also realized through the alkoxycarbonylation reaction under mild conditions. Highly efficient CO absorption by carbanion-functionalized ILs provides a new way of separating and converting CO.