Organotin Phosphate Condensates as a Catalyst of Selective Ring-Opening of Oxiranes by Alcohols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00237a009

The highly regioselective alcoholysis of oxiranes is catalyzed by organotin phosphate condensates, providing a variety of β-alkoxy alcohols in good yields.The selectivity of the nucleophilic attack is dependent on the structures of epoxides.The gem-dialkyloxiranes are cleaved on the tertiary carbon, while β,γ-epoxy alcohols and their derivatives gave C-3 attack products.The anti stereoisomers are solely produced in the latter case.Thus the catalysis is both acidic and coordinative.Of practical importance is the recycled use of the catalyst without any appreciable decrease in the activity and the selectivities.