Epoxides undergo smoothly ring-opening reaction with various amines catalyzed by solid acid containing phosphomolybdic acid-neutral alumina under mild reaction conditions. All the reactions were carried out at room temperature to afford the corresponding beta-amino alcohols in excellent yields and with high regioselectivity. The catalyst was recovered and reused for further reactions with very good efficiency. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.