Facile Synthesis of BiVO4 for Visible‐Light‐Induced C−C Bond Cleavage of Alkenes to Generate Carbonyls

BiVO4 crystals synthesized by an ultrasonic‐assisted method (Sono‐BiVO4) showed improved efficiency as a heterogeneous photocatalyst under visible‐light irradiation. Sono‐BiVO4 was successfully used for the C−C bond cleavage of alkenes to generate carbonyl compounds. Styrene derivatives were converted into carbonyl compounds in the presence of Sono‐BiVO4 under highly sustainable conditions requiring only natural sources, that is, molecular oxygen, visible light, and water at room temperature. Additionally, Sono‐BiVO4 could be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused. Old catalyst, new tricks: As an efficient heterogeneous catalyst, BiVO4 crystals were synthesized by an ultrasonic‐assisted method and successfully applied for the C−C bond cleavage of alkenes.