Heterocycles from α-aminonitriles.

Owing to their various modes of reactivity, α-aminonitriles represent versatile building blocks for the construction of a wide range of nitrogen heterocycles. The present Concept article focuses on synthetic methodologies using their bifunctional nature which is the basis of their reactivity as α-amino carbanions and as iminium ions. Reactions exclusively taking place on either the amine or on the nitrile moiety will not be considered.