Heterogeneous photocatalysts in organic synthesis

The review deals with the application of inorganic semiconductors in organic synthesis. Although the majority of reported reactions still aim at the photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds, the number of examples in synthetic applications is growing. The principal mechanisms of heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysis are considered and examples illustrating the use of inorganic semiconductors in organic synthesis are given. The discussion is arranged according to the required excitation wavelength (UV or visible light) and to the new bond that is formed (carbon - carbon or carbon - heteroatom bond). The bibliography includes 47 references.