Nucleophilic ring opening of 1,2-epoxides in aqueous medium

Abstract

Nucleophilic ring opening of 1,2-epoxides in aqueous medium in the presence and absence of metal salts is reviewed. Azidolysis, hydrolysis, iodolysis and thiolysis are the reactions mainly investigated. The pH of the reaction medium controls the reactivity and regioselectivity of the process. By working at suitable pH values, even salts such as AlCl3, SnCl4 and TiCl4 are active catalysts.