Asymmetric ring opening of meso-epoxides catalyzed by the chiral phosphine oxide BINAPO

The enantioselective ring opening of meso-epoxides with tetrachlorosilane in the presence of diisopropylethylamine using chiral phosphine oxide BINAPO as the catalyst affords the corresponding chlorohydrins in high enantioselectivities of up to 90% ee. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.