Zn(II)-catalyzed thiolysis of oxiranes in water under neutral conditions

Thiolysis of a variety of 1,2-epoxides in water at 30degreesC and pH 7.0 is strongly accelerated by ZnCl(2) (10 mol %) except when amino- and carboxythiophenol are used. The aqueous medium and the catalyst were recovered and reused in various runs without affecting the efficiency of the process.