Alumina-supported metal(II) Schiff base complexes as heterogeneous catalysts in the high-regioselective cleavage of epoxides to halohydrins by using elemental halogen

A highly regioselective method for the synthesis of β-iodohydrins and β-bromohydrins through direct ring opening of epoxides with elemental halogen in the presence of alumina-supported Schiff base complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) as new catalysts is described. This method is regioselective under mild conditions in various aprotic solvents with high yields, even when sensitive functional groups are present. The catalysts are easily recovered and can be reused several times.