Easy direct stereo- and regioselective formation of β-hydroxy nitriles by reaction of 1,2-epoxides with potassium cyanide in the presence of metal salts

A simple efficient, anti stereoselective, and highly regioselective method for the synthesis of β-hydroxy nitriles by the direct opening of 1,2-epoxides with KCN in acetonitrile, in the presence of metal salts, is described. This new method appears to be competitive with the other methods previously reported.