Isocyanide based multi component reactions in combinatorial chemistry.

Although usually regarded as a recent development, the combinatorial approach to the synthesis of libraries of new drug candidates was first described as early as 1961 using the isocyanide-based one-pot multicomponent Ugi reaction. Isocyanide-based multi component reactions (MCR's) markedly differ from their usual two component counterparts. In the context of combinatorial chemistry, they offer more structural variations, more accessible compounds and more diversity than any other previously known reaction. This review examines the history of isocyanide based MCR's and their applicability in combinatorial chemistry.