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.