A review. This account reviews the synthesis of functionalized isocyanides, including isocyanoacetate and isocyanoacetamide derivs., and their application in multicomponent and domino reactions. Among these reaction, the three-component condensation of isocyanoacetamides with aldehydes and primary or secondary amines giving access to substituted 5-aminooxazoles is discussed in detail. The use of isocyanoacetamides and 5-aminooxazoles in the synthesis of fused heterocycles, such as pyrrolofurans, furopyridines and pyrrolopyridines, and macrolactams is also described. [on SciFinder (R)]