The first transformation of aliphatic alpha,beta-epoxyamides into alpha-hydroxyamides.

A general synthesis of aliphatic alpha-hydroxyamides with total regioselectivity by a reductive cleaveage of the C(beta)-O bond of aliphatic alpha,beta-epoxyamides, promoted by samarium diiodide and MeOH, is described. The treatment of enantiopure aliphatic alpha,beta-epoxyamides afforded enantiomerically enriched aliphatic alpha-hydroxyamides. A radical mechanism has been proposed to explain this reaction. [reaction: see text]