Radical couplings of epoxides and nitriles mediated by Cp2TiCl provide a diastereoselective route to the synthesis of beta-hydroxyketones. The conditions of this "aldol-like" reaction are mild enough to avoid the dehydration of the beta-hydroxyketone. The scope of the coupling reaction with functionalized and tetrasubstituted epoxides has been studied. The radical character of the coupling reactions is demonstrated.
KOZIKOWSKI, A. P.;ADAMCZYK, M., TETRAHEDRON LETT., 1982, 23, N 31, 3123-3126