Selective catalyzed-rearrangement of terminal epoxides to methyl ketones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(85)87389-7

Terminal epoxides of the type {A figure is presented} have been selectively converted into methyl ketones by various catalysts. Some lanthanide derivatives, MnI₂, and Co₂(CO)₈ gave the best results. The rearrangement of internal epoxides into ketones is much slower, allowing specific transformation of terminal epoxides. The scope of the reaction and tentative mechanisms are discussed.