Retention of Configuration in Reactions with Opening of an Epoxide Ring

Information on the opening of an epoxide ring with retention of the initial configuration under conditions of catalytic hydrogenation and under the action of various nucleophilic reagents is examined. It is noted that when an electron-donating p- or π-grouping is present in the α position to the epoxide ring the retention of the initial configuration is more probable than its inversion. Bibliography of 182 references.