Ring opening of α,β-epoxy phenyl ketones with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) and potassium bromide

Abstract

Ring-opening reaction of α,β-epoxy phenyl ketones was achieved cooperatively using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and potassium bromide. The reaction occurred regioselectively at the β-C to afford syn-β-bromo-α-hydroxyl ketones as main outcomes.Key words: ring-opening, epoxide, ceric ammonium nitrate, potassium bromide.