Cerium(III) Chloride Promoted Highly Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides and Aziridines Using NaN₃ in Acetonitrile: A Facile Synthesis of 1,2-Azidoalcohols and 1,2-Azidoamines

Abstract

A convenient and efficient synthesis of 1,2-azidoalcohols and 1,2-azidoamines has been achieved by ring opening of epoxides and aziridines using cerium(III) chloride and sodium azide in acetonitrile. The reaction is highly regioselective and afforded the corresponding products in good to excellent yields under mild and neutral reaction conditions. The method is very rapid and equally compatible for both epoxides and aziridines.