Organometallic Derivatives of Epoxides

Abstract

β-Metalated alkoxides are useful synthetic intermediates. The hitherto difficultly accessible species are formed upon reaction of epoxides with alkalimetal or magnesium salts of naphthalene or biphenyl radical anions. In unsymmetrically substituted epoxides a pronounced regioselectivity of the ring opening is found, the orientation of which depends upon the nature of the substituents.