The application of heterogeneous visible light photocatalysts in organic synthesis

The advantage of visible-light photocatalysis lies in its use of clean, renewable, cheap visible light as a driving force. Recently heterogeneous visible light photocatalysts have drawn much attention due to their nature of easy recycling and simple chemical work-up. Immense effort has been devoted to the application of solar energy in the field of energy regeneration such as hydrogen production and the reduction of carbon dioxide. Recently, solar energy has also captured much attention in organic synthesis due to its unique advantages. This paper will review the state-of-the-art progresses in the application of heterogeneous visible-light photocatalysis in organic synthesis through four sections: oxidation of alcohols, oxidation of amines, carbon-carbon bond formation reactions, and carbon-hetero bond formation reactions.