Ring-opening of epoxides promoted by organomolybdenum complexes of the type [(η5-C5H4R)Mo(CO)2(η3-C3H5)] and [(η5-C5H5)Mo(CO)3(CH2R)]

The complexes [(η5-C5H4R)Mo(CO)2(η3-C3H5)] and [(η5-C5H5)Mo(CO)3(CH2R)] (R = H, COOH) promote epoxide ring-opening reactions. Isomerization of α-pinene oxide gives mainly campholenic aldehyde and trans-carveol with product selectivity being solvent dependent. Ethanolysis of styrene oxide gives 2-ethoxy-2-phenylethanol in 100% yield within 30 min, and catalytic performance is maintained in consecutive runs.