Dinitrogen Activation and Addition to Unsaturated C-E (E=C, N, O, S) Bonds Mediated by Transition Metal Complexes.

Dinitrogen (N 2 ) activation and functionalization is of fundamental interest and practical importance. This review focuses on N 2 activation and addition to unsaturated substrates, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, heteroallenes, aldehydes, ketones, acid halides, nitriles, alkynes, and allenes, mediated by transition metal complexes, which afforded a variety of N-C bond formation products. Emphases are placed on the reaction modes and mechanisms. We hope that this work would stimulate further explorations in this challenging field.