Calcium carbide as a cost-effective starting material for symmetrical diarylethynes via Pd-catalyzed coupling reaction

A convenient and cost-effective synthetic method for symmetrical diarylethynes from inexpensive calcium carbide and aryl iodide has been developed. The reaction not only proceeds with high yield and selectivity but also tolerates a wide range of functional groups. Application of this reaction has enabled the synthesis of highly functionalized oligo (phenyleneethynylenes) to be accomplished.