A local proton source in a Mn(bpy-R)(CO)3Br-type redox catalyst enables CO2 reduction even in the absence of Brønsted acids

The effect of a local proton source on the activity of a bromotricarbonyl Mn redox catalyst for CO2 reduction has been investigated. The electrochemical behaviour of the novel complex fac-Mn(dhbpy)(CO)3Br (dhbpy = 4-phenyl-6-(1,3-dihydroxybenzen-2-yl) 2,2'-bipyridine), containing two acidic OH groups in the proximity of the metal centre, under a CO2 atmosphere showed a sustained catalysis in homogeneous solution even in the absence of Brønsted acids.