Reissert compounds and their open‐chain analogs in organic synthesis

Reactions of major synthetic interest employing Reissert compounds (1, 2‐dihydro‐1‐acyl‐2‐cyanoquinolines and 1, 2‐dihydro‐2‐aqyl‐1‐cyanoisoquinolines) and related heterocyclic species are surveyed. The chemistry of open‐chain analogs of Reissert compounds ( i.e. , derivatives of N ‐acyl‐α‐aminoacetonitriles) is described and compared with conventional Reissert compounds.