The Sonogashira reaction was responded to very positively when it was first published because it presented solutions to several issues that researchers had been struggling with when trying to synthesize specific alkyne compounds. The reaction introduced the concept of utilizing copper Iodide as a co-catalyst. This new reagent, when paired with a Palladium catalyst, allowed conjugated enynes and aryl alkynes to be produced at room temperature. Older reactions and procedures required the reaction to be performed at temperatures as high as 100° C.