Coordination chemistry of CNH2, the simplest aminocarbyne

The coordination chemistry of the simplest aminocarbyne group, CNH2, best described as a carbene (iminomethylenium or 2-azavinylidene), is presented, comprising the syntheses of its complexes, its electronic and structural features, and the chemical and electrochemical reactivity involving in particular deprotonation reactions (which are highly promoted by oxidation) with formation of CNH (hydrogen isocyanide) and CN (cyanide) complexes. The interconversion of the CNHx (x=0, 1 or 2) species is also analysed.