The reaction of gamma,delta-unsaturated carbene-chromium complexes with 2-alkynylbenzoyl systems has been examined in an aqueous environment.  When this coupling was conducted in water in the presence of surfactants, efficient formation of hydrophenthrenes and deposition of chromium hexacarbonyl onto the condenser was noted, thus allowing for a net process that is substoichiometric in chromium.  Additional examples of this reaction related to the synthesis of abietane diterpenes will also be presented.