Catalytic β-bromohydroxylation of natural terpenes: Useful intermediates for the synthesis of terpenic epoxides

Abstract

In a one-step procedure, various β-bromoalcohols were synthesized from natural terpenes in good to excellent yields. Using different catalysts, the reaction was carried out at room temperature, with H 2 O as nucleophile and N-bromosuccinimide as a bromine source under mild reaction conditions. The synthesized β-bromoalcohols were subsequently converted in situ to the corresponding epoxides in good yields.