Synthetic organic photochemistry is an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to assemble biologically and chemically relevant scaffolds. The photon energy allows access to reactive intermediates by using a clean energy source under mild conditions. Moreover, sustainable synthesis can be achieved by using metal-free photochemistry. In this review, the photochemistry of carbonyl compounds and their application as reagents, catalysts or promoters of metal-free photochemical transformations are discussed. Fundamental aspects and reactivity of the carbonyl compounds are briefly presented in the introduction section, followed by recent applications of carbonyl compounds in photochemical reactions. The text is organized according to the role of the carbonyl compounds in the process. First, approaches in which carbonyl compounds are employed in stoichiometric or super-stoichiometric amounts (as reaction substrates or photoinitiators) are described. Thereafter, their application as photocatalysts and photosensitizers are discussed and mechanistic studies are comprehensively presented.

The coffee leaf miner (CLM) Leucoptera coffeella moth is a major threat to coffee production. Insect damage is related to the feeding behavior of the larvae on the leaf. During the immature life stages, the insect feeds in the mesophyll triggering necrosis and causing loss of photosynthetic capacity, defoliation and significant yield loss to coffee crops. Chemical control is used to support the coffee production chain, though market requirements move toward conscious consumption claiming for more sustainable methods. In this overview, we discuss aspects about the CLM concerning biology, history, geographical distribution, economic impacts, and the most relevant control strategies in progress. Insights to develop an integrated approach for a safer and eco-friendly control of the CLM are discussed here, including bio-extracts, nanotechnology, pheromones, and tolerant cultivars.

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A Pd-catalyzed heterocyclization/carbonylation cascade reaction encompassing the formation of 3 new bonds, affording dihydropyrazole-esters in moderate to excellent yields and good functional group tolerance is described, comprising a new methodology for direct access to esterified heterocycles using alcohols as readily available feedstock. Optimization was carried out along with a phosphine/base parameterization study, providing important structure-reactivity insights for pyridinebases, mono-and bisphosphines.

The coffee leaf miner (CLM) Leucoptera coffeella moth is a major threat to coffee production. Insect damage is related to the feeding behavior of the larvae on the leaf. During the immature life stages, the insect feeds in the mesophyll, triggering necrosis and causing loss of photosynthetic capacity, defoliation, and significant yield loss to coffee crops. Chemical control is mandatory to sustain the coffee production chain, though market requirements move towards conscious consumption, claiming for more sustainable methods. In this overview, we discuss aspects about the CLM concerning biology, history, geographical distribution, economic impacts, and the most relevant control strategies in progress. Insights to develop an integrate approach for a safer and eco-friendly control of the CLM are discussed, including bio-extracts, nanotechnology, pheromones, and tolerant cultivars.