Synthesis of new β-hydroxy nitrate esters as potential glycomimetics or vasodilators

New beta-hydroxy nitrates have been synthesized by the ring-opening reaction of epoxides with Bi(NO3)(3)center dot 5H(2)O, which was used both as a catalyst and reagent. The synthesized molecules are both potential cyclitol mimetics and vasodilators as a result of their hydroxy groups and nitrate esters. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008).