The activation of carbon dioxide by transition metal complexes has been extensively studied. both experimentally and theoretically. 1 Central reactions in this chemistry are the insertion of C02 into M-X bonds. where X = H. C. 0. and N. (eq. 1-4). We are presently investigating the mechanistic aspects of these reaction processes and will herein deSCribe our current level of understanding. Comparisons of the pathway of the carbon-carbon bond fonning process in transition metal chemistry with the well known analogous chemistry involving organolithium reagents will be presented. Furthermore. the role of these reaction types in both homogeneous and heterogenous catalytic processes leading to useful chemicals will be elaborated. _OM> (1) lMt-H +< lMlopi _OM>(2) [Mt-R + C0. 2 [M]0. 2CR _OM> (3) [Mt-OR+< [M]0. 2COR _OM>(4) [Mt-NR2 + C0. 2 [M] | Enzymatic and Model Carboxylation and Reduction Reactions for Carbon Dioxide Utilization by M. Aresta, Paperback | Indigo Chapters