Enantioselective ring-opening reaction of meso-epoxides with ArSH catalyzed by heterobimetallic Ti-Ga-Salen system

The enantioselective ring-opening reaction of meso-epoxides with aryl thiols catalyzed by a chiral heterobimetallic Ti-Ga-Salen complex was realized, and the 1,2-mercapto alcohols were obtained in good yields and moderate to high enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee). A strong synergistic cooperation between different Lewis acids in the system was exhibited in the catalytic process.