In situ NMR characterisation of an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 and image in aqueous solution

The water soluble ruthenium(II) complex [RuCl2(PTA)([9]aneS3)] (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphadamantane, [9]aneS3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane) catalyzes the hydrogenation of CO2 and bicarbonate in aqueous solution. While the catalytic activity is low, the formation of an intermediate involving coordination of both hydride and bicarbonate to the ruthenium centre has been unambiguously established by 1H, 31P and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Such an intermediate has previously been proposed on the basis of theoretical studies and experimental findings.