Zwitterion‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening of Epoxides with Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

Abstract1,2‐Diol mono‐esters are useful building blocks in various areas. Herein, we report an efficient zwitterion‐catalyzed epoxide ring‐opening with carboxylic acids to give 1,2‐diol monoesters. The catalytic protocol was applicable to a wide range of substrates. In addition, aziridine instead of epoxide could be used. The zwitterionic catalyst could be recycled by a simple aqueous extraction. The synthetic utilities of the 1,2‐diol monoesters have been demonstrated.