Green synthesis of 1,3-diynes from terminal acetylenes under solvent-free conditions

Herein, we report the microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,3-diynes from terminal acetylenes, catalyzed by CuI and tetramethylethylenediamine, in the presence of air as the oxidant, at 100 °C for only 10 min under solvent-free conditions. This efficient methodology allowed the homocoupling of several terminal alkynes in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, the same protocol was also applicable for the synthesis of some unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes through the cross-coupling reaction.