Ultrasound promoted aminolysis of epoxides in aqueous media: A rapid procedure with no pH adjustment for additive-free synthesis of β-aminoalcohols

An efficient and environmentally friendly procedure promoted by ultrasound irradiation is developed for stereoselective ring opening of various epoxides with aromatic and aliphatic amines under aqueous conditions in the presence of no catalyst or additive. Chemoselectivity of the protocol is shown by competition of piperidine and aniline to react with different epoxides resulting in exclusive formation of the respective products of piperidine.