Facile synthesis of chiral 1,2-chlorohydrins via the ring-opening of meso-epoxides catalyzed by chiral phosphine oxides

The facile synthesis of chiral 1,2-chlorohydrins via the enantioselective ring-opening of meso-epoxides with silicon tetrachloride in the presence of a chiral phosphine oxide was accomplished. The chiral 1,2-chlorohydrins were also obtained from the corresponding cis-alkenes in one-pot without significant loss in the selectivity, thereby permitting easy access to the 1,2-chlorohydrins from cis-alkenes with good yields and enantioselectivities.