in nitrile hydratase enzymes. N-coordination activates the sp-hybridized carbon center toward attack by nucleophiles, including water. Thus coordination of the nitrile to a cationic metal center is the basis for the catalytic hydration:
:M-NCR + H₂O -> M-O=C(NH₂)R
:M-O=C(NH₂)R + NCR -> O=C(NH₂)R + M-NCR

In a related reaction, alcohols add to nitrile ligands.

Nitrile ligands in electron-rich complexes

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