On-water thiolysis of epoxides promoted by PhSZnBr

The synthesis of a new bench-stable and odorless zinc thiolate is here reported. The thiolysis of epoxides effected using this reagent showed a considerable rate acceleration of the reaction when effected in on-water conditions. In addition, the reactions evidenced a good regioselectivity combining the advantage of the procedures effected in organic solvent with those effected using Lewis acid catalysis. [GRAPHICS] .