Reduction: Hydrocyanation of C=C

The asymmetric hydrocyanation of olefins is an atom efficient carbon-carbon bond forming reaction, in which nitriles are produced that can be converted into a variety of products. Examples of asymmetric hydrocyanation of norbornene, vinylarenes and 1,3-dienes are reviewed, as well as several mechanistic aspects. The mechanistic considerations focus on the catalytic cycle, the rate-determining step, the enantioselective step, and electronic and steric ligand properties that influence the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric hydrocyanation.