New mononuclear Cu(i) compounds: synthesis, characterization, and application to the electroreduction of CO2†

Abstract

This report includes the preparation of a new set of well-defined Cu(i) catalytic precursors of the type [Cu(diphosphine)(PPh₃)NO₃] and [Cu(diphosphine)NO₃], fully characterized by regular analytical methods, including single-crystal XRD (X-ray diffraction). The new compounds were assessed to activate CO₂ in an electrocatalytic process to yield oxalate selectively and with a relatively low overpotential. Some mechanistic insights into this process are also provided; oxalate is a valuable product for further chemical applications.