Method for producing a reduction product using a photo-regenerated transition metal catalyst

The method of creating a chemically active reducing environment capable of reducing molecular nitrogen at ambient temperature and pressure and of being regenerated to its chemically active reducing state following a reduction process which comprises:

• (a) forming a solution containing a soluble salt of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of the lanthanides and the transition metals of groups Vb, VIb and VIII, a monoprotic alcohol compatible therewith and a base;
• (b) maintaining the pH of said aqueous solution at a pH above about 8.5, whereby said transition metal and said alcohol form a soluble metal alcoholate complex wherein the transition metal ion is at a first electron state;
• (c) subjecting said solution to a suitable intensity of a radiation selected to include the charge-transfer band of the transition metal alcoholate complex by reference to the absorption, emulsion and excitation [IR] spectra of said metal alcoholate complex so as to
• (i) maximize the absorption of said radiation;
• (ii) maximize the vibrational degradation process, resulting in fluorescence;
• and
• (iii) minimize the dissociation of said complex;
• whereby said transition metal ion is transformed to a higher electron state capable of accepting electrons from nitrogen dissolved in said solution and thus being oxidized to the desired reducing agent.

A catalytic method of producing a reduction product in solution at ambient temperature and pressure by using a reducing agent which is simultaneously photo-regenerated to its active reducing state following its consumption in the reduction comprising steps of:

• (a) obtaining a solution of a transition metal alcoholate comprising an alcohol, a transition metal salt, and a base;
• (b) contacting with said solution a starting chemical selected from the group consisting of alkenes, alkynes, and carbon monoxide;
• (c) while maintaining said contact, irradiating said solution with radiation of sufficient intensity and duration to produce the desired product, wherein said radiation is selected at the charge-transfer band of the transition metal alcoholate complex by reference to the absorption, emission, and excitation spectra of said metal alcoholate complex so as to
• (i) maximize the absorption of said radiation;
• (ii) maximize the vibrational degradation process, resulting in fluorescence;
• and
• (iii) minimize the dissociation of said complex.