Iron‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation of Aromatic Alkenes Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Ironing out the wrinkles: Highly enantioselective catalytic asymmetric epoxidation of aromatic alkenes with hydrogen peroxide proceeds smoothly in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of ferric hexahydrate, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, and the novel chiral ligand 1 in 2-methylbutane-2-ol solvent at room temperature within 1 h (see scheme; Bn=benzyl).