Efficient, stereoselective synthesis of trans-2,5-disubstituted morpholines

[reaction: see text] Enantio- and diastereoselective syntheses of trans-2,5-disubstituted morpholine derivatives are described. The routes are initiated by the reaction of enantiopure epoxides (2) with amino alcohols (3) and address the problem of regioselective hydroxyl activation-ring closure of the resulting amino diol adducts for (amino alcohol-derived) alkyl substituents of different steric demands.