Easy Direct Stereo- and Regioselective Formation of β-Hydroxy Nitriles by Reaction of 1,2-Epoxides with Potassium Cyanide in the Presence of Metal Salts

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)92305-0

A simple efficient, anti stereoselective, and highly regioselective method for the synthesis of β-hydroxy nitriles by the direct opening of 1,2-epoxides with KCN in acetonitrile, in the presence of metal salts, is described.This new method appears to be competitive with the other methods previously reported. Key words: β-hydroxy nitriles; epoxide opening reactions; regioselectivity; catalysts.