Envirocat (K10-MX)–Catalyzed Regioselective Transformation of Alkenes into Iodohydrins and β-Iodo Ethers and Further Conversion of Iodohydrins to Epoxides Using Al₂O₃-Na₂CO₃ Under MWI

Abstract

Commercial K10 clay was converted to extremely efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst K10-MX for the preparation of iodohydrins and β-iodo ethers from alkenes (terminal as well as internal) using microwave irradiation. This method was further extended for the conversion of alkenes to epoxides via iodohydrin intermediate in a one-pot reaction system.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Alkenes
• electrophilic addition
• β-iodo ethers
• iodohydrins
• heterogeneous catalysis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for financial support. We also thank the CSIR, India, for the award of a research fellowship.

Notes

^a Isolated yields based on 1 (styrene).

^b Simple K10 clay is used without any doping with MX.

^a 1–12 = Different substrates.

^b Time of stirring/irradiation for obtaining products (a), (b), (c), (d) respectively.

^c Isolated yields based on corresponding substrates for products (a), (b), (c), (d) respectively.

^d 1–12(a), R₄ = H; 1–12(b), R₄ = Et; 1–12(c), R₄ = i-Pr; 1–12(d), R₄ = t-Bu.

^e A mixture of substrates 2 and 10 was taken in a 1:1 ratio and the appropriate amounts of I₂ and catalyst were added.

^a Isolated yields based on corresponding substrates.