Regiodivergent Reductive Opening of Epoxides by Catalytic Hydrogenation Promoted by a (Cyclopentadienone)iron Complex

The reductive opening of epoxides represents an attractive method for the synthesis alcohols, but its potential application is limited by use stoichiometric amounts metal hydride reducing agents (e.g., LiAlH4). For this reason, corresponding homogeneous catalytic version with H2 receiving increasing attention. However, investigation alternative has just begun, and several issues are still present, such as noble metals/expensive ligands, high loading, poor regioselectivity. Herein, we describe a cheap easy-to-handle (cyclopentadienone)iron complex (1a), previously developed some us, precatalyst H2. While aryl smoothly reacted to afford linear aliphatic turned out be particularly challenging, requiring presence Lewis acid cocatalyst. Remarkably, found that it possible steer regioselectivity careful choice acid. A series deuterium labeling computational studies were run investigate reaction mechanism, which seems involve more than single pathway.