Oxidation Under Reductive Conditions: From Benzylic Ethers to Acetals with Perfect Atom-Economy by Titanocene(III) Catalysis.

Described here is a titanocene-catalyzed reaction for the synthesis of acetals and hemiaminals from benzylic ethers and benzylic amines, respectively, with pendant epoxides. The reaction proceeds by catalysis in single-electron steps. The oxidative addition comprises an epoxide opening.