Reaction of 2,3-epoxy-1-ol methanesulfonates with diethylaluminum chloride or with the mixture of diethylaluminum chloride and diethylamine hydrobromide in dichloromethane gave rise to regioselectively the corresponding 3-chloro- and 3-bromo-1,2-diol 1-methanesulfonates, respectively, in excellent yields.
Regio- and stereo-controlled opening of 2,3-epoxy amines and 2,3-aziridine amines by the commercially available MgBr2 is described. As reported, this new method could represent a general and useful approach for the preparation of promising intermediates. Moreover, in particular cases, the reaction evolves toward an interesting oxazolidin-2-one structure. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).