Regioselective ring-opening reactions of 1,2-epoxides with thiols and arylselenols directly promoted by [Bmim]BF4

Regioselective ring-opening reactions of 1,2-epoxides with ArSH and ArSeH promoted by ionic liquid [Bmim]BF4 were investigated. A variety of β-hydroxy selenides and β-hydroxy sulfides were obtained in excellent yields (81–99%) with good regioselectivities using a mild, simple and environmentally benign procedure.