Asymmetric Epoxidation of Conjugated Olefins with Dioxygen

Abstract

A complex situation: Asymmetric epoxidation of conjugated olefins was achieved at room temperature using ruthenium complex 1 as the catalyst and air as the oxidant to give epoxides in up to 95 % ee (see scheme). When the product was acid sensitive, the reaction was carried out at 0 °C under oxygen.