Further Improvements of the Synthesis of Alkynes from Aldehydes

A highly convenient way to perform the synthesis of alkynes from aldehydes is reported. The procedure utilizes a new in situ preparation of dimethyldiazomethylphosphonate. As a consequence a commercially available reagentcan now be used, circumventing a disadvantage of earlier protocols. The easy one-pot procedure avoids the use of strong bases, low temperatures and inert gas techniques.