Ynamides: versatile tools in organic synthesis.

Ynamides display an exceptionally fine balance between stability and reactivity. They also offer unique and multiple opportunities for the inclusion of nitrogen-based functionalities into organic molecules, and are emerging as especially useful and versatile building blocks for organic synthesis. Recent breakthroughs in the preparation of these substrates have revitalized interest in nitrogen-substituted alkynes, and the beginning of the 21st century has witnessed an ever-increasing number of publications reporting the development of new reactions or synthetic sequences starting from ynamides. This Review highlights major developments in this area.