The ability of terminal alkynes to couple with aryl halides using the traditional methodology of a palladium catalyst (either palladium(0) or (II)), a base (frequently a secondary or tertiary amine) and copper iodide (for the generation of the copper acetylide intermediate), has been known for many years [1]. Several recent alternatives have been reported to this general theme and all proceed well in the absence of a copper co-catalyst but with modified reaction ...