Solar-driven green synthesis of epoxides

Epoxides are one of the most important intermediates used in the production of valuable chemicals. Traditional preparation methods often rely on hazardous oxidants or extensive fossil fuel-powered thermal catalytic systems, resulting in significant waste production and CO2 emissions. Solar-driven photo(electro)chemistry is an emerging option for achieving the environmentally-friendly synthesis of epoxides. In this review, we firstly summarize the fundamental understanding of epoxidation reactions among various systems, including molecular catalysis, heterogeneous thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis. Then, we focus on the recent advances in the synthesis of epoxides achieved by photo(electro)chemical approaches. This review is concluded by the rational design of photoelectrochemical systems towards efficient epoxide synthesis. [graphic not available: see fulltext]