Lithium perchlorate promoted highly regioselective ring opening of epoxides under solvent-free conditions

A simple and efficient synthesis of diol diesters, protected chlorohydrins, chlorohydrins and β-hydroxy azides with acetyl or benzoyl, TMSN3 and TMSCl groups has been achieved by ring opening of epoxides with acetic anhydride, acetyl chloride or benzoyl chloride and TMSN3 using catalytic amount of lithium perchlorate under solvent-free conditions. All reactions proceeded in short times and afforded the corresponding products in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. LiClO4 shows enhanced reactivity for the ring opening of epoxides under solvent-free conditions, therefore, reducing the reaction times dramatically and improved the yields and amount of catalyst.