LAUSR

A new Fe(III)-triflate complex, bearing a bis-thioether-di-phenolate [OSSO]-type ligand, is reported to promote the ring-opening of glycidol with alcohols under mild reaction conditions (0.05 mol% of catalyst and 80 °C). The reaction proceeds with high activity (initial turnover frequency of 1680 h-1 for ethanol) and selectivity (>95%) toward the formation of twelve monoalkyl glyceryl ethers (MAGEs) in a regioselective fashion (84-96% of non-symmetric regioisomer). This synthetic approach allows the conversion of a glycerol-derived platform molecule, such as glycidol, to high value-added products using an Earth-crust abundant metal-based catalyst.