The novel and biologically active prostacyclin mimetics 2 and 29 were prepared in a sequence based on the regioselective opening of epoxide 7 with a lithium acetylide in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate. The regioselectivity of epoxide opening was consistent with a mechanism involving coordination in the transition state of the epoxide and endo acetal oxygens with the Lewis acid boron. Diastereomers 10 and 11 were separated ...