Convenient method for the transformation of epoxide to aldehyde and acetonide mediated by Cr-PLM

Chromium-pillared montmorillonite (Cr-PLM) could be synthesized and efficiently utilized for styrene oxide transformations. The target aldehyde product could be quantitatively achieved from the isomerization of styrene oxide by using 10 wt% of Cr-PLM under reflux temperature for 15 min. The acetonide product could be achieved in excellent yield from the reaction of styrene oxide and acetone by using 10 wt% of Cr-PLM under room temperature for 20 min. The catalyst could be recovered and reused at least five times without loss of activity.