Enhanced catalytic activity of CuI/diethoxyphosphoryl-1,10-phenanthrolines in ‘on water’ Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction

The use of CuI/diethoxyphosphoryl-1,10-phenanthrolines and ‘on water’ conditions in the Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes significantly increases the reaction rate as compared to that in organic solvents.