Recent progress in transition-metal-catalyzed hydrocyanation of nonpolar alkenes and alkynes

Hydrocyanation is a powerful method for the preparation of nitriles which are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of amines, acids and amides. This review summarizes the research on transition-metal-catalyzed (asymmetric) hydrocyanation of nonpolar (or non-activated) alkenes and alkynes in the last decade. These studies involve the extension of HCN surrogates and unsaturated substrates, catalyst development as well as the improvement of the activity and multiple selectivities. The remaining challenges and personal future perspectives are presented at the end.