YCl3-catalyzed highly selective ring opening of epoxides by amines at room temperature and under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

A simple, efficient, and environmentally benign approach for the synthesis of (β-amino alcohols is herein described. YCI3 efficiently carried out the ring opening of epoxides by amines to produce (β-amino alcohols under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. This catalytic approach is very effective, with several aromatic and aliphatic oxiranes and amines. A mere 1 mol % concentration of YCI3 is enough to deliver (β-amino alcohols in good to excellent yields with high regioselectivity.