Asymmetric catalytic synthesis of enantiopure N-protected 1,2-amino alcohols.

[reaction: see text] The asymmetric aminolytic kinetic resolution (AKR) of racemic terminal epoxides using carbamates as the nucleophile catalyzed by (salen)Co(III) complex provides a practical and straightforward method for the synthesis of both aliphatic and aromatic N-Boc- or N-Cbz-protected 1,2-amino alcohols in almost enantiomerically pure form (ee >/= 99%). The AKR uses an easily accessible catalyst and inexpensive starting materials, and the reactions are conveniently carried out at room temperature under an air atmosphere.