The amino acid opening of epoxides, catalyzed by calcium trifluoromethanesulfonate with short reaction times is described. The method can be used in a straightforward route for the preparation of hydroxyethylamine dipeptide isosteres. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Non Lewis acid catalysed epoxide ring opening with amino acid esters
The ring opening of epoxides by various amino acid esters is described in refluxing trifluoroethanol without any catalyst. Under these simple conditions the corresponding β-amino alcohols are obtained in good to excellent yields in relatively short reaction times compared to previously reported methods.