 Abstract carbon dots, CDS, synth-sized from small organic molecules, have gained significant interest due to their unique properties, including low-cost, ease-of-surface modification, and high photo-luminous. These features make them ideal for a variety of applications, such as photo-catalysis, drug gene delivery systems, bio-imaging, chemical and biological sensing, photodynamic and photothermal therapies. The synthesis of CDS can be divided into two categories, top-down approaches, which involve breaking down larger structures into nanoparticles, and bottom-up approaches, which involve the synthesis of CDS from smaller organic molecules. This review provides an overview of the synthetic strategies used to produce CDS from small organic molecules, as well as their applications in various fields. Additionally, challenges and future directions are discussed. This article was authored by Onirud Sharma and Joy Deep Das.