LaCl₃ · 7H₂O‐Promoted Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides Using NaNO₂ in Ether–Water System: A Facile Synthesis of 2‐Nitroalcohols

Abstract

A convenient and efficient synthesis of 2‐nitroalcohols has been achieved by regioselective ring opening of epoxides using LaCl₃ · 7H₂O and NaNO₂ in ether–H₂O system at room temperature. The reaction afforded the corresponding products in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.

Keywords:

• 2‐Nitroalcohols
• epoxides
• phase‐transfer catalyst
• ring opening
• sodium nitrite

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Director, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jorhat, Assam, India, for providing facilities for this work. S. G. and J. B. thank CSIR, New Delhi, for the award of Senior Research Fellowship.