Graphite oxide catalyzed synthesis of β-amino alcohols by ring-opening of epoxides

Graphite oxide as a heterogeneous and recyclable solid acid catalyzed a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of β-amino alcohols by ring opening of epoxides with amines. This method is effective with various aromatic and aliphatic amines under solvent-free conditions. The corresponding β-amino alcohols are obtained in high yields (56%–95%) and short reaction times (15–30 min) with high regio- and chemoselectivity under metal-free conditions.