An efficient protocol for regioselective ring opening of epoxides using sulfated tungstate: application in synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients atenolol, propranolol and ranolazine

Sulfated tungstate was found to be a new and highly efficient catalyst for opening of epoxide rings by amines to give β-amino alcohols with high regioselectivity. Various advantages associated with this novel and environmental friendly protocol include solvent-free conditions, short reaction times, high product yields, simple workup procedure and easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst. This protocol has been applied for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients atenolol, propranolol and ranolazine.