Boronic acid-catalysed C-3 selective ring opening of 3,4-epoxy alcohols with thiophenols and thiols?

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date: 2018-09-21 DOI: 10.1039/C8OB02141D

Abstract

In this protocol we described a boronic acid-catalysed C-3 selective ring opening of 3,4-epoxy alcohols with thiophenols and thiols as nucleophiles. This diastereo- and enantiospecific reaction provides an efficient entry to prepare a variety of hydroxyl sulfides. Through the directing effect of the hydroxyl group, nucleophilic attack on the C-3 position of the epoxide moiety is favoured. It can be rationalized in a proposed transition state, in which the boronic acid catalyst tethers both epoxides and S-nucleophiles.

Graphical abstract: Boronic acid-catalysed C-3 selective ring opening of 3,4-epoxy alcohols with thiophenols and thiols
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