A green protocol for the base, ligand, and phase transfer catalyst free coupling of terminal acetylenes in water

Abstract

A green reaction methodology has been developed for the homocoupling / heterocoupling of terminal alkynes to construct the building block 1,4-diarylbuta-1,3-diyne. The coupling reaction occurred in an aqueous medium in absence of any additional base, ligand, or phase transfer catalyst. Water extract of banana peel ash (WEB) plays a magical role in performing the palladium catalyzed coupling reactions of non-polar organic molecules in polar aqueous medium.