Inorganic Bismuth Catalysts for Photocatalytic Organic Reactions

Bismuth (Bi) is recognized as a low-toxicity and environmentally friendly metal. Owing to its diverse oxidation states, Bi-based compounds demonstrate exceptional catalytic activities across numerous organic reactions. In particular, Bi-based inorganic materials have emerged as a promising class of photocatalysts in synthetic chemistry. In this review, the recent applications of inorganic Bi-materials, e.g., Bi2O3, BiVO4, BiCl3, Bi2WO6, and Bi4O5Br2, as photocatalysts in various organic reactions, including C-H oxidation, radical addition of olefins, and coupling reactions, have been summarized. The reaction mechanisms are discussed to reveal the crucial steps for enhancing catalytic performance. Moreover, the current challenges and prospects in this vibrant research area are also outlined, aiming to provide valuable insights and guidance for the development of more efficient Bi-based photocatalysts and their applications in diverse organic synthetic pathways.