An Al(OTf)3-catalyzed environmentally benign process for the propargylation of indoles

Al(OTf)3 catalyzed the alkylation of indoles using secondary/tertiary propargylic alcohols to produce 3-propargylated indoles in excellent yields with high selectivity. The reactions were performed in air with commercial grade solvents, and water was the only side product of the process. The catalyst was recovered after completion of the reaction and re-used with minimum loss of activity over three cycles.