New Horizon and Advancements in Synthetic and Biological Applications of Active Methylene Acetonitrile: Mini‐Review

Acetonitrile is generally used as an organic solvent and can also be used as a significant starting material via active methylene acetonitrile in organic synthesis. Its widespread use has led to the development of new methods for the synthesis of a variety of important compounds. This review aims to give a broad overview of synthetic routes, structural modifications, synthesis of new hybrid scaffolds of various heterocyclics, and biological activity of active methylene acetonitrile compounds. Especially in the field of electrochemical conversions involving acetonitrile, due to its good conductivity and environmentally friendly features, it has become a powerful and compelling tool to afford nitrogen‐containing compounds or nitrile‐containing compounds. Besides, a detailed discussion of the substrate scope and mechanistic pathways is provided. While condensed aromatics, heterocyclics, allylic and aliphatic thiazoles, furans, thiophenes, imidazoles, pyrimidines, pyrazoles, coumarin, quinolines, oxazolones, pyridazines, quinoxalines, and oxazoles can be conveniently synthesized from the key intermediate active methylene acetonitrile. In conjunction with the earlier reports, this manuscript provides insight into basic structural transformations and the prominence of active methylene acetonitrile in the field of leading pharmaceuticals, medicinal candidates, and fine chemicals. Additionally, we have summarized the most important biological activities.