Recent investigations in synthesis of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids by reductive carboxylation of aldehydes with CO2 (microreview)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a plentiful, nontoxic, nonflammable, renewable C1 feedstock and the major component of greenhouse gases, thereby the research for sustainable and efficient conversion of this waste gas into valuable chemicals has received great attention in recent years. The catalytic reaction between aldehydes and CO2 is a novel and attractive pathway for CO2-utilization as it can lead to the formation of highly important α-hydroxycarboxylic acids with ideal atom economy. This review discusses the advancements made within this research topic with the hope of promoting future research in the field of CO2-utilization.