Alpha-amidation of cyclic ethers catalyzed by simple copper salt and a mild and efficient preparation method for alpha,omega-amino alcohols.

Copper(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate catalyzed the amidation of cyclic ethers with iminoiodanes under mild conditions (CH2Cl2, 40 degrees C) with good yields (up to 86% based on 97% conversion) and selectivity (only alpha-amino products were found). Subsequently, the tosylamidated products could undergo a reductive ring-opening reaction to give alpha,omega-amino alcohols.