Efficient and Regioselective Ring-opening of Epoxides with Carboxylic Acid Catalyzed by Graphite Oxide

An efficient, simple and regioselective ring-opening reaction of epoxides with various carboxylic acids under metal-free conditions is reported. The ring-opening of epoxides takes place in the presence of graphite oxide as an efficient and available catalyst to produce the corresponding 2-hydroxy monoester and 1,2-diester derivatives in good yields. Regioselective attack of the nucleophile, short reaction times, metal-free conditions and reusability of catalyst are among the advantages of the present protocol.