Cross-linked polystyrene, 4-vinyl pyridine copolymer beads were prepared, characterized and were used to complex ferric chloride. This polymer metal complex was used as a heterogeneous, recoverable and reusable Lewis acid in nucleophilic ring opening of different epoxides to prepare beta alkoxy alcohols and beta azidohydrins in good to excellent yields. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.