Organocatalysis in synthesis and reactions of epoxides and aziridines

Abstract

This review systematically describes the synthesis and reactions of epoxides and aziridines using organocatalysis, and includes their reactions like desymmetrization, regioselective nucleophilic ring-opening and cycloaddition with CO₂. Based on the various generic modes of activation of organocatalysis, a systematic classification of organocatalysts used for regioselective nucleophilic ring-opening of epoxides and aziridines is given.