Rapid and efficient ring opening of epoxides catalyzed by a new electron deficient tin(IV) porphyrin

The new electron deficient tin(IV) tetraphenylporphyrinato trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Sn-IV(tpp)(OTf)(2)], was used as an efficient catalyst for the alcoholysis, hydrolysis and acetolysis of epoxides. Conversion of epoxides to thiiranes and acetonides were also performed efficiently in the presence of this catalyst. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.