Al(OTf)3: an efficient recyclable catalyst for direct nucleophilic substitution of the hydroxy group of propargylic alcohols with carbon- and heteroatom-centered nucleophiles to construct C–C, C–O, C–N and C–S bonds

A general and highly efficient Al(OTf)3-catalyzed methodology has been developed for the direct nucleophilic substitution of the hydroxy group in propargylic alcohols with a variety of carbon- and heteroatom-centered nucleophiles such as alcohols, aromatic compounds, amides, and thiols, leading to the construction of C–C, C–O, C–N and C–S bonds.