Bismuth vanadate: A versatile heterogeneous catalyst for photocatalytic functionalization of C(sp2)–H bonds

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) could be prepared by the hydrothermal kettle method. Herein, the synthesized BiVO4-180 is demonstrated to be a versatile and stable heterogeneous photocatalyst for a series of C(sp2)–H functionalization reactions under visible light irradiation at ambient conditions. A series of functionalized compounds such as tetrahydroquinolines, 3-arylmethyl indoles, α-aryl α-amino acid esters, and sulfurized/selenized/thiocyanated heterocycles were successfully synthesized in good yields (>70 examples, including modification of drugs and peptides). The BiVO4 photocatalyst has the advantages of being recyclable, low-cost, air-tolerant, and high efficiency, which is the typical characteristic of overcoming the shortcomings of homogeneous catalysts.