Ring-opening of epoxyalcohols by diethylaluminium cyanide. Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of 1-cyano-2,3-diols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02520-9

Diethylaluminium cyanide is a highly selective reagent for the ring opening of 2,3-epoxyalcohols under mild conditions; the reaction takes place at C-3, with inversion of configuration, to give 1-cyano-2,3-diols.