Reactivities and molecular interactions of acetylenes

Theoretical and computational studies of the reactivities and molecular interactions of acetylene have exploded during recent years. Most studies are aimed at gaining theoretical understanding of the difference in the reactivities between the triple bond in alkynes and the double bond in alkenes. In the following section, we will summarize the reactivities of acetylene involved in pericyclic reactions, electrophilic reactions, and nucleophilic additions. Then, we will give a brief review of the studies probing molecular interactions of acetylene. 

The field of acetylene complex chemistry continues to develop rapidly and to yield novel discoveries. A number of recent reviews 1-10) covers various facets including preparation, structure, nature of bonding, stoichiometric and catalytic reactions, and specific aspects with particular metals. The first part of this account is confined to those facets associated with the nature of the interactions between acetylenes and transition metals and to the insertion reactions of complexes closely related to catalysis. Although only scattered data are available, attempts will be made to give a consistent interpretation of the reactivities of coordinated acetylene in terms of a qualitative molecular orbital picture. 

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