Recent Strategies for the Synthesis of Alkenyl Nitriles Derivatives

Alkenyl nitrile derivatives represent important structural motifs found in a variety of natural products, active pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the development of efficient and selective catalytic methods for synthesizing alkenyl nitriles from alkenes, alkynes, and other precursors under relatively mild conditions with new synthetic technologies. However, a comprehensive summary of the synthesis of alkenyl nitriles has yet to be established in recent literature. This perspective highlights the latest advancements in the synthesis of alkenyl nitriles through the cyanation of alkenes, alkynes, and other starting materials, leading to functionalized alkenyl nitrile derivatives. The remaining challenges and future perspectives at the conclusion of the review is also discussed. It is hoped that this overview will inspire the development of novel approaches to access diverse alkenyl nitriles and facilitate their applications in organic chemistry and drug research.