I was curious if an amine or amide was basic enough to open up an epoxide. I think it can, plus I found this article, but am not sure if am understanding it correctly. Thanks.

 

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117906840/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Well, an amide certainly won't be basic enough, since they're roughly neutral. I have no idea about amines, but the link isn't working for me. I suspect that they are too weak, but perhaps under certain conditions.

i think they can. thats how i believe epoxy resins works. amines forms cross linking polymers.

 

http://www.scienceforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32771

read posts of dr p on this thread

The syntheses of ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine among other things relies on the reaction of an epoxide with ammonia or an amine.

The syntheses of ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine among other things relies on the reaction of an epoxide with ammonia or an amine.

 

 

I stand corrected.