Catalysis

Photochemistry

Materials science

Alkoxy group

Alkyl

Lewis acids and bases

Perovskite (structure)

Inorganic chemistry

Bismuth

Organic chemistry

Epoxide

Chemistry

Selectivity

Photocatalysis

Halide

ChemSusChem

Herein, an innovative approach was developed by using stable, lead‐free halide perovskite for solar‐driven organic synthesis. The ring‐opening reaction of epoxides was chosen as a model system for the synthesis of value‐added β‐alkoxy alcohols, which require energy‐intensive process conditions and corrosive, strong acids for conventional synthesis. The developed concept included the in situ preparation of Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 and its simultaneous application as photocatalyst for epoxide alcoholysis under visible‐light irradiation in air at 293 K, with exceptional high activity and selectivity ≥86 % for β‐alkoxy alcohols and thia‐compounds. The Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 photocatalyst exhibited good stability and recyclability. In contrast, the lead‐based perovskite showed a conversion rate of only 1 %. The origin of the unexpected catalytic behavior was attributed to the combination of the photocatalytic process and the presence of suitable Lewis‐acidic centers on the surface of the bismuth halide perovskite photocatalyst.

Lead‐Free Cs3Bi2Br9 Perovskite as Photocatalyst for Ring‐Opening Reactions of Epoxides