Efficient Preparation of γ-Hydroxynitriles via Nitrile Enolate-Epoxide Reactions: Scope and Diastereoselectivity

Abstract The nucleophilic opening of epoxides by nitrile enolates using an efficient, convenient protocol is described. The diastereoselectivity of this reaction was explored and found to give syn:anti ratios ranging from 1.1:1.0 to 4.8:1.0. ‡ Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar/Fellow 1995–1997.