Catalytic reactions involving the cleavage of carbon-cyano and carbon-carbon triple bonds

The catalytic reactions that involve the cleavage of C-CN bonds and carbon-carbon triple bonds are described in this tutorial review. Regarding the cleavage of a C-CN bond, the catalytic reaction can proceed by two different mechanisms: oxidative addition and deinsertion of silyl isocyanide. A carbon-carbon triple bond can be cleaved in the absence of an organic promoter via the formation of unique organometallic species, such as allenylidene and cyclopropyl carbenoid complexes.