Alkynes in organocatalysis

In this Focus Review, a selection of organocatalyzed reactions in which alkynes have been used are presented. Catalysis by tertiary and secondary amines, by phase-transfer catalysis, by phosphines and carbenes, as well as bifunctional and multiple catalysis are discussed. Alkynes are versatile intermediates which can open novel synthetic opportunities as their reactivity is enhanced with respect to the corresponding alkenes and further elaboration to develop domino processes is possible.