Chiral magnesium(II)-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening of meso-aziridines with primary alcohols

The asymmetric ring-opening of meso-aziridines with primary alcohols is realized using an N,N' -dioxide-Mg(OTf)(2) complex as the catalyst. The desired vicinal trans-beta-amino ethers are afforded in good yields and enantioselectivities. Aniline and water could also be used as the nucleophiles for the ring-opening in an identical catalyst system.