Conversion of epoxides into halohydrins with elemental halogen catalyzed by thiourea

A highly regioselective method for the synthesis of β-iodohydrins and β-bromohydrins by the direct ring opening of epoxides with elemental halogen in the presence of thiourea is described. This method occurs under neutral and mild conditions with high yields in various solvents even when sensitive functional groups are present.