Thermodynamic, kinetic and product considerations in carbon dioxide reactivity

Abstract

There has been a recent upsurge in interest in the reactivity of carbon dioxide for two primary reasons. Firstly, carbon dioxide is the ultimate by-product of all processes involving oxidation of carbon compounds and its increasing presence in the atmosphere since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution has given rise to widespread concern about possible consequences (the so- called "Greenhouse Effect"). Secondly, in view of the vastness of its supply, carbon dioxide represents a possible potential source for C₁ feedstocks for the manufacture of chemicals and fuels, alternative to the current predominant use of petroleum-derived sources. Carbon reserves in the form of atmospheric carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide in the hydrosphere and carbonates in the terrestrial environment substantially exceed those of the fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.