Novel heterogeneous route for the coupling of phenylethyne by a catalyst derived from Cu–Mg–Al hydrotalcite

Cu–Mg–Al hydroxycarbonate, derived from Cu–Mg–Al hydrotalcite, affords yields of >80% for the heterogeneous coupling of phenylethyne to 1,4-diphenylbuta-1,3-diyne in the presence of sodium hydroxide and oxygen.