Reactivity and photoreactivity of cyanocomplexes of the transition metals

The reactivity and photoreactivity of cyano complexes remain the subjects of extensive research. The thermal processes of these systems are characterised by substitution reactions of M(CN)(5)Ln- and M(CN)(4)(H2O)Xn- ions as well as by formation of binuclear systems with homoleptic cyano complexes acting as the ligands. The redox processes involve electron self-exchange reactions of homoleptic cyano complexes, and electron transfer reactions with metal complexes, small inorganic species and organic compounds. The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of cyano complexes is characterised by energy and electron transfer processes, photosubstitution and photoredox reactions of monomeric and polynuclear cyano-bridged systems. The aim of this review article is to provide a survey of the literature on the kinetics of thermal and photochemical reactions of cyano complexes over the last ten years.