Dual Catalytic Strategies for the Efficient Functionalization of Aromatic Carbonyl Compounds

Abstract A dual catalytic approach enables the preparation of complex organic molecules from aryl carbonyl compounds in the presence of an organocatalyst and a photocatalyst under mild conditions. Dual catalytic methods offer late-stage functionalization of drugs and bioactive compounds. This review covers recent advances (2020–2025) in the development of dual catalysis and their synthetic applications. Furthermore, the described dual catalytic methods address current synthetic challenges and future opportunities for developing more efficient catalytic systems and straightforward carbonyl functional group transformations under green, cost-effective photochemical conditions that tolerate a wide range of functional groups and commercially available aromatic carbonyl compounds, as well as inexpensive, nontoxic reagents. This review paper focuses on functional group transformations and their related synthetic applications.