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.