The Nozaki-Hiyama-Takai-Kishi (NHTK) reaction was discovered in the late 1970s and, since then, its main application has been its use in total synthesis. In this comprehensive review, the efficiency of the NHKT reaction in the synthesis of a great number of different scaffolds present in complex natural products is analyzed. The preparation of enol and allylic and propargylic alcohol motifs is discussed, highlighting factors such as yield, chemoselectivity, stereoselectivity, or the importance of protecting groups. The review is divided into two main sections: intermolecular and intramolecular NHTK reactions. A final discussion about the current "state-of-art" and future perspectives for the use of this transformation in total synthesis is also included.