We have succeeded in developing direct syntheses of trans β-azidohydrins and trans 1,2-diol derivatives from olefins catalyzed by dichlorotin oxide. The regioselectivity of these reactions with tri-substituted olefins is high (10:1 in the synthesis of 1,2-diol derivatives) to excellent (>99:1 in the synthesis of azidohydrins). It has been found that these reactions do not proceed via epoxides.
coordination of different metal ions at enantiotopic positions of an achiral meso‐ligand are reported. These catalysts exhibit a pseudo‐Cs symmetry and are able to catalyze reactions demanding simultaneous involvement of two catalytic sites. The latter was demonstrated by application in the asymmetric ring‐opening of meso‐epoxides.