Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Nucleophilic Substitution of Alcohols

Simple Brønsted acids such as p ‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (PTS) or polymer‐bound p ‐toluenesulfonic acid efficiently catalyze the direct nucleophilic substitution of the hydroxy group of allylic and benzylic alcohols with a large variety of carbon‐ and heteroatom‐centered nucleophiles. Reaction conditions are mild, the process is conducted under an atmosphere of air without the need for dried solvents, and water is the only side product of the reaction.