Palladium-Catalyzed Migratory Insertion of Isocyanides: An Emerging Platform in Cross-Coupling Chemistry

Isocyanides have been important building blocks in organic synthesis since the discovery of the Ugi reaction and related isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. In the past decade isocyanides have found a new application as versatile C-1 building blocks in palladium catalysis. Palladium-catalyzed reactions involving isocyanide insertion offer a vast potential for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing fine chemicals. This Minireview discusses all the achievements in this emerging field.