Propargylic alcohols are key intermediates in the synthesis of many natural products including the prostaglandins, l steroids, 2 carotenoids, 3 and leukotrienes.'Researchers in this area have focused their attention mainly on the addition of alkynylmetals (Li, Na, K, Mg, Zn, and Al) to aldehydes as a means of preparing propargylic alcoho1s, 6 but these alkynylmetal reagents are not without limitations.