Ring Opening of Aziridines by Pendant Silanols Allows for Preparations of (±)-Clavaminol H, (±)-Des-Acetyl-Clavaminol H, (±)-Dihydrosphingosine, and (±)--Hexanoyldihydrosphingosine.

We present a unique strategy for the synthesis of vicinal amino alcohols. Ring opening of aziridines with pendant silanols is compatible with a range of substrates. To engage productively in ring opening, the aziridine must be at least mildly activated, and a variety of such -substituents are tolerated. The utility of this methodology is highlighted in facile preparations of the natural products (±)-Clavaminol H, (±)-dihydrosphingosine, and (±)--hexanoyldihydrosphingosine as well as a natural product analogue (±)-des-acetyl-Clavaminol H.