New trends in bismuth-catalyzed synthetic transformations.

This review covers uses of bismuth catalysts since 2005 with a special emphasis on the emerging applications of such catalysts. Low toxicity, low catalytic loading, synergistic effects with other catalysts, and some hydrocompatibility properties confer to bismuth salts major advantages. The expanding activity in the field clearly highlights the growing potential of bismuth catalysts. The article is not a comprehensive review on bismuth catalysis but a selection of its most promising uses in challenging synthetic transformations.