Sequential synthesis of β-amino alcohols using a CeO2–ZrO2 bifunctional catalyst system

CeO2–ZrO2 was explored as a bifunctional catalyst system for the synthesis of β-amino alcohols through epoxidation and subsequent aminolysis. Epoxidation of styrene to styrene oxide using t-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as a green oxidant followed by subsequent aminolysis with diverse amines gave the corresponding β-amino alcohols. CeO2–ZrO2 was found to be a reusable and highly selective catalyst for both the epoxidation and aminolysis reactions.