Copper-impregnated magnetite is a versatile heterogeneous catalytic system for the
synthesis of 1,3-diynes by the homocoupling of terminal alkynes. This catalyst does
not require the use of pressurized oxygen as the oxidant and it does not need a solvent
or harsh conditions to give the expected products. Moreover, the catalyst can be removed
from the reaction medium simply by using a magnet. The reaction occurs at the lowest
copper loading reported for any heterogeneous catalyst.
Key words
alkynes - copper - heterogeneous catalysis - iron - supported catalysis - coupling
- furans