LAUSR

The catalytic oxidative dimerization of aromatic amines and acetylenes is of outstanding synthetic importance among homocoupling reactions. Both transformations necessitate the use of extraneous bases and ligands, which contains significant disadvantages as concerns environmental impacts and process costs. We exploited the inherent basic character of a copper-containing layered double hydroxide to facilitate the catalytic homocouplings of alkynes and aniline derivatives without the need for any auxiliary substances. The reactions were studied in a continuous-flow system to achieve extended parameter spaces for chemical intensification, and also to avoid undesired reaction pathways by means of strategic control over the residence time. Valuable 1,4-disubstituted 1,3-diynes and diversely substituted aromatic azo compounds were achieved chemoselectively in excellent yields and in short process times even on preparative scales.