α,α-Dicyanoalkenes: versatile vinylogous nucleophiles for organic synthesis

Abstract

α,α-Dicyanoalkenes are electron-deficient alkenes and inherently behave as electrophiles. Over the past five years some significant progress has been achieved by using α,α-dicyanoalkenes as vinylogous donors in C–C bond forming and other functionalisation reactions, especially for the construction of multifunctional products. In this feature article we will present the successful development of vinylogous reactions of α,α-dicyanoalkenes by our group and other groups.