Hydroxyl-directed reductive ring opening at the C-2 position of functionalized 2-aryloxetanes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)00781-2

2-Aryloxetanes 3 are cleaved at the C-2 position upon treatment with lithium aluminium hydride to deliver the triols 4 in good yields (61-85 %). The regioselective ring opening at the more hindered position is facilitated by a hydoxyl group attached to the arene.