Carbon dioxide activation by aza-macrocyclic complexes

Experimental observations of photocatalysis and electroinduced-activation of CO2 mediated by coordination compounds with aza-macrocyclic ligands are discussed in this review. The production of fuels from the reduction of CO2 catalyzed by coordination complexes of simple tetraaza-macrocycles, porphyrin, phthalocyanine and biphenanthrolinic hexaazacyclophanes are described. The use of this macrocyclic chemistry, i.e. for simple models, in the development of multipurpose supramolecular functions is emphasized.