Catalysis with Ruthenium for Sustainable Carbon Cycles

Abstract

Nestled between the noble and non-noble metals in the periodic table, ruthenium, one of the transition metals, offers a combination of intriguing properties. Due to its variable oxidation states and its ability to form complexes with various Lewis base compounds, ruthenium, has been widely used in the field of catalysis. Its application has led to groundbreaking breakthroughs in a variety of chemical transformations and has attracted considerable attention in both academic research and industrial applications. Ruthenium catalysis is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, with ongoing efforts to further advance the efficiency and selectivity of these catalysts. Importantly, in the context of sustainability, ruthenium-based catalysts play an important role in promoting green chemistry practices. Because ruthenium catalysts are highly efficient, only small amounts of the element need to be used. Recovery rates at the end of catalyst life are typically very high, minimizing the need to mine fresh ore. The use of ruthenium catalysts promotes the utilization of renewable resources in various chemical transformations, is at the heart of the realization of new energy-related processes, and by enabling efficient and highly selective chemical transformations reduces waste and harmful emissions. These aspects reinforce the metal’s importance in the quest for a more sustainable future.