Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Selective Reductive Transformations of Organic Compounds: a Review

We have reviewed the state-of-the-art in heterogeneous photocatalytic systems derived from various semiconductors, their composites, and other materials for the selective hydrogenation of different classes of organic compounds including alkynes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and compounds with unsaturated carbon-nitrogen bonds. Selective transformations of halogen-containing compounds including dehalogenation and cyclization, as well as C-C and C-N coupling reactions are discussed. Examples of stereoselective chemical reactions as well as reductive transformations of organic compounds are given. In conclusion, we indicate promising ways for further progress in this field related to new effects such as chiral and plasmonic photocatalysis as well as the use of new photocatalysts such as hybrid organic-inorganic materials.