Review on activation of small molecules (dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and dinitrogen) by various transition metal complexes

Small molecules such as dihydrogen (H-2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and dinitrogen (N-2) are ubiquitous in nature and have important industrial and environmental applications. This review article discusses the activation of these small molecules utilizing transition metal complexes because the activation and transformation of these molecules into value added products is a topic of current research due to economic importance. The review also discusses the interesting interaction between small molecules and metal complexes with their important activation mechanisms, such as the formation of hydride complexes for H-2,H- formate complexes for CO2, and ammonia production from N-2. The activation of these compounds using metal complexes recently considered as a more affordable method of synthesizing new organic molecules through catalytic processes. Therefore, this article aspires to provide insights into boosting metal complex design for improved reactivity and greater practicality in industrial and environmental situations by combining the most recent knowledge.