Synthesis of β-amino alcohols using the tandem reduction and ring-opening reaction of nitroarenes and epoxides

Abstract A high yield one-pot synthesis of β-amino alcohols from nitroarenes and 1,2-epoxides was developed, which utilizes inexpensive iron dust as a reducing agent and NH 4 Cl as the only additive in a 50% (v/v) ethanol solution. This new efficient synthetic approach tolerates a wide range of functionalities. The mild reaction conditions (e.g., 60 °C), together with the use of low cost and readily available starting materials, make this synthetic approach an attractive alternative to the current synthesis of β-amino alcohols.