Preparation of useful building blocks, α-iodo- and bromoalkanols from cyclic ethers using the Dowex H+/NaX (X = I, Br) approach

Abstract

Our recently reported novel green chemistry tool was effectively used for opening cyclic ethers to produce α-iodo- and bromoalkanols. The synthesis of 4-iodobutanoic acid from γ-butyrolactone has also been described. The method is based on the use of a dried Dowex H⁺/NaX (X = Br, I)-system, which is effective at producing α-iodoalkanols and some α-bromoalkanols from commercially available cyclic ethers. Additionally, opening of three different crown ethers to form α-iodo(polyethylene)glycols with various chain lengths is demonstrated. Haloalkanols are important building blocks in synthetic chemistry e.g. for medicinal chemistry purposes.