Pd-catalysed cross coupling of terminal alkynes to diynes in the absence of a stoichiometric additive

An efficient, room temperature procedure for the cross-coupling of a range of terminal alkynes, using standard Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions (Pd/Cu) is presented. At higher reaction temperatures, head-to-tail or head-to-head dimerisation affords 1,3- and 1,4-disubstituted enynes, respectively as minor products.