Selective <i>N</i>‑Formylation of Amines with H₂ and CO₂ Catalyzed by Cobalt Pincer Complexes

<i>N</i>-formylation of amines utilizing CO₂ in the presence of reducing agents constitute an important methodology in organic synthesis. Presented herein is a selective <i>N</i>-formylation of amines with CO₂ and H₂ catalyzed by complexes of Earth-abundant cobalt. A wide range of amines were converted to their corresponding formamides under CO₂ and H₂ pressure, catalyzed by Co-PNP pincer complex, generating water as the sole byproduct