The reaction of CF ₃ -propargyl alcohols [ArCCCH(OH)CF ₃ ] with arenes under the action of acidic HUSY zeolite CBV-720 was investigated. It was found that the reaction at 100 °C for 1 h gave rise to 3-aryl-1-CF ₃ -indenes in up to 83% yield. Electronic characteristics of the reaction key intermediates, mesomeric CF ₃ -propargyl-allenyl cations [ArCC-HC ⁺ (CF ₃ ) ↔ ArC ⁺ CCH(CF ₃ )], were studied by DFT calculations. A plausible cationic reaction mechanism is discussed.