After activation by chloride abstraction utilizing NaBArF as an activator (BArF = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate), a complex of the general formula [RuCl2 (PHOX)2 ] was utilized as a catalyst in propargylic substitution reactions, where PHOX is a phosphinooxazoline ligand. Oxygen and nitrogen-centered nucleophiles could be employed in the substitution of a propargylic acetate to obtain the corresponding propargylic substitution products in 87% to 9% isolated yields (45 °C, 16 h reaction time, toluene solvent, 1-2 mol% catalyst loading, 1-2 mol% activator).