Ring-opening of steroidal 2,3-epoxides with thiols can be carried
out effectively in the Brønsted acidic ionic liquid [Hmim]+[BF4]- as
a recyclable solvent and catalyst. The use of other ionic liquids/molten
salts resulted in a decrease in the conversion and/or in
reduced selectivity. In [bmim]+Br-,
a conversion of 2,3-epoxy-17-ones into 2,17- and 3,17-diones was
also observed.
catalysis - epoxides - ionic liquids - ring-opening - steroids - thiols