Hydrogenation of CO2 to formic acid promoted by a diamine-functionalized ionic liquid.

Amines to an end: The basic diamine-functionalized ionic liquid 1,3-di(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-2-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate was prepared and used in the hydrogenation of CO(2) to formic acid. One mole of the ionic liquid coordinates two moles of formic acid to promote the reaction. Both the ionic liquid and catalyst can be reused directly after their separation from the formic acid produced.