Cobalt-Catalyzed Trifluoromethoxylation of Epoxides.

A catalytic ring-opening reaction of epoxides by nucleophilic trifluoromethoxylation of trifluoromethyl arylsulfonate has been developed based on the use of a cobalt catalyst. This reaction provides an efficient, simple route for directly construction of a wide range of vicinal trifluoromethoxyhydrins under mild conditions. In addition, this method can convert terminal epoxides into target products with good chemo- and regioselectivity.