Copper(II) tetrafluroborate-promoted Meinwald rearrangement reactions of epoxides

Epoxides undergo a highly efficient Meinwald rearrangement in the presence of catalytic quantities of copper(II) tetrafluoroborate to give carbonyl compounds in high yields and with excellent selectivity. The low toxicity and ease of handling of this reagent make it an attractive alternative to the more corrosive or costly Lewis acids frequently employed.