Methods for the synthesis, properties and applications of alkyl 2-cyanoacrylates are surveyed. The reactions of alkyl 2-cyanoacrylates with various nucleophiles (thiols, alcohols, diols, hydrogen sulfide, phosphines, etc.) including a new reaction involving insertion of isocyanates into the C=C bonds in the adducts of alkyl 2-cyanaocrylates with trialkylphosphines are considered. The prospects for the use of alkyl 2-cyanoacrylates in organic synthesis, in the chemistry of polymers and in the chemistry of adhesives are described. The bibiolgraphy includes 177 references.
