The palladium-catalyzed hydroarylation of propargylic alcohols with aryl iodides in the presence of Pd(OAc)(2), HCOOH, and Et3N in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]) at 40degreesC has been investigated. The process is highly stereoselective. Hydroarylation products have been obtained usually in good yields and the use of the ionic liquid has provided better results than molecular solvents in terms of regioselectivity and/or rate of reaction. Hydroarylation products containing a bromo substituent close to the carbon-carbon triple bond can successfully be used for the development of a new route to chromenes through a hydroarylation-cyclization sequence. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.