Recent uses of bismuth derivatives in organic synthesis.

The use of bismuth and of its derivatives in organic synthesis has received an increasing recent interest with studies involving new bismuth(III) salts. These salts have shown a Lewis acid character allowing their use in coupling reactions, in protection/deprotection processes and in oxidation reactions. Such systems are generally catalytic, may work in aqueous or in solventless systems and involve a relatively non-toxic metal. These features are of great interest in the area of green chemistry. (C) 2004 Academie des sciences. Publie par Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.