Highly efficient Meinwald rearrangement reactions of epoxides catalyzed by copper tetrafluoroborate

Epoxides undergo a highly efficient and selective rearrangement in the presence of catalytic quantities of copper tetrafluoroborate to give carbonyl compounds in excellent yields. The low toxicity and ease of handling of this reagent make it an attractive alternative to the more corrosive Lewis acids frequently employed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.