title: First examples of transition-metal free Sonogashira-type couplings.
abstract: [reaction: see text] We report here our observation that, using appropriate reaction conditions, the Sonogashira reaction can be performed without the need for transition-metal catalysts. Our approach involves the use of water as a solvent, poly(ethylene glycol) as a phase-transfer agent, and sodium hydroxide as a base. The methodology works, to differing extents, for aryl iodides and bromides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK. nicholas.leadbeater@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Nicholas E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Leadbeater
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marco
authors.forename: Bonnie J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Tominack