Montmorillonite K10 catalyzed highly regioselective azidolysis of epoxides: A short and efficient synthesis of phenylglycine

Abstract

A series of β‐hydroxyazides were effectively synthesized from the regioselective ring opening of epoxides by sodium azide using montmorillonite K10 as a novel heterogeneous catalyst in aqueous acetonitrile in good to excellent yields. The utility of this method has been demonstrated by achieving a short synthesis of phenylglycine in 33.5% overall yield.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Azidolysis
• β-azido alcohols
• epoxide
• montmorillonite K10
• phenylglycine

Acknowledgments

K. C. G and I. B. are thankful to CSIR, New Delhi for their fellowships.

Additional information

Funding

S.S. thanks Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) for financial support by a grant [IFC/A/5105-2/2014/1060].