Amine- and phosphine-free palladium(II)-catalyzed homocoupling reaction of terminal alkynes

An efficient, amine- and phosphine-free palladium(II)-catalyzed homocoupling of terminal alkynes has been developed. In the presence of PdCl2, CuI, Me3NO, and NaOAc, homocoupling of various terminal alkynes underwent smoothly to afford the corresponding diynes in moderate to high yields without any phosphine ligands. In contrast, the presence of a phosphine ligand (PPh3) disfavored this palladium-catalyzed homocoupling procedure. Bases, solvents, and CuI have fundamental influence on the palladium-catalyzed homocoupling of terminal alkynes.