Conversion of carbon dioxide to formaldehyde via a bis(silyl)acetal

This technology utilizes a metal catalyst to synthesize a bis(silyl)acetal that may be used for conversion of carbon dioxide to formaldehyde.

Unmet Need: Effective method to generate formaldehyde from carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is both an abundant organic molecule and an atmospheric pollutant that is resistant to chemical transformations. Methods to efficiently convert CO2 to value-added organics, such as formaldehyde, are important for chemical industries as well as environmental protection. However, many current catalytic methods for CO2 reduction, including hydrosilylation and hydroboration, involve the use of expensive precious metals, are not selective, or require high temperatures.

The Technology: Method to generate formaldehyde using a bis(silyl)acetal

This technology introduces a bis(silyl)acetal that can be used to generate formaldehyde under ambient conditions. This technology can be used not only to generate formaldehyde, but also to act as a direct surrogate for formaldehyde in chemical transformations. Furthermore, isotopologues of the bis(silyl)acetal, prepared with labeled carbon dioxide, can be used to incorporate isotopes into organic molecules.

This technology has demonstrated that formaldehyde can be readily obtained from CO2 at room temperature via the bis(silyl)acetal. Isotopologues of bis(silyl)acetal may also be synthesized, thereby providing a convenient means to use CO2 as a source of isotopic labels in organic molecules.

Applications:

• Formaldehyde production
• Surrogate for formaldehyde in chemical transformations
• Carbon capture
• Production of labeled organic molecules

Advantages:

• Works under ambient conditions
• Efficient surrogate for formaldehyde in synthesis
• Can be used to produce isotopically labeled organic compounds
• Enables further use of isolated carbon capture products

Lead Inventor:

Gerard Parkin, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Rauch M, Strater Z, Parkin G. “Selective Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Formaldehyde via a Bis(silyl)acetal: Incorporation of Isotopically Labeled C1 Moieties Derived from Carbon Dioxide into Organic Molecules” J Am Chem Soc. 2019 Oct. 22; 141(44): 17754-17762.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU19282

• Licensing Contact: Beth Kauderer