A highly efficient scandium-catalysed asymmetric epoxidation reaction with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant has been developed by researchers in China. The Sc(OTf)3 complex enabled epoxidation of a wide range of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones and amides in overall excellent yields and enantioselectivites.
The reaction is also compatible with dilute aqueous hydrogen peroxide, increasing the safety and practicality of current reactions.
Link to journal article
Asymmetric Catalytic Epoxidation of alfa, beta-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds with Hydrogen Peroxide: Additive-Free and Wide Substrate Scope
Y Chu et al
Chem. Sci., 2012, DOI: 10.1039/c2sc20218b
