Regioselective Dye-Induced Photocleavage of Epoxides as an Alternative Mild Synthetic Route to a Targeted Alcohol Functionality

Abstract

The regioselective cleavage of epoxides using visible light and a catalytic dye is reported in this study as an alternative mild synthetic approach. The epoxide radical anion is generated via visible light in an electron transfer reaction, induced by non-toxic dyes, leading to ring opening and formation of the corresponding alcohol with the hydroxyl group on the less substituted carbon in excellent yields.