Zwitterion-Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Epoxides with Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

1,2-Diol mono-esters are useful building blocks in various areas. Herein, we report an efficient zwitterion-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening with carboxylic acids to give 1,2-diol monoesters. The catalytic protocol was applicable to a wide range of substrates. In addition, aziridine instead of epoxide could be used. The zwitterionic catalyst could be recycled by a simple aqueous extraction. The synthetic utilities of the 1,2-diol monoesters have been demonstrated.