Quaternary ammoniums and a cationic sodium complex as supramolecular catalysts in ring-opening of epoxides by amines

Supramolecular ionic organocatalysts and a metal-based catalyst were investigated in the ring-opening of epoxides by amines, without any artifice to enhance conversion (i.e., solvophobic effect, extended reaction time, heating, excess of amine, high catalyst loading). Different β-amino-alcohols were obtained in satisfying conversion (50–80%) in 24 h, under mild conditions.