1-Aryl Propargylic Alcohols as Handy Synthons for the Construction of Heterocycles and Carbocycles

Propargylic alcohols with aryl/heteroaryl groups at C1 position have received significant attention as alkylating agents in direct nucleophilic SN1-type reactions towards the formation of new C-C, C-O, C-N and C-S bonds. Taking advantage of the versatile alkyne functionality, the obtained propargylated derivatives have been transformed into various types of heterocycles as well as carbocycles. This review demonstrates the efficacy and versatility of 1-aryl propargylic alcohols in the synthesis of 5- and 6-membered heterocycles and carbocycles.