Progress in the Development of New Epoxidation Reagents

Abstract

The work herein describes our experiences with new reagents for olefin epoxidation.In defining the scope of this work, we shall discuss neither the la transition metal-catalyzed epoxidations nor the more specific systems involving epoxidation of olefinic alcoholslb as these subjects have been well treated elsewhere.At the outset.our goals were the rather ambitious ones that seem unique to newly-appointed assistant professors: asymetric epoxidation and direct synthesis of arene oxides.As we shall see, the more modest goal of finding structural features necessary for oxygen transfer to olefins would have been more appropriate.Nonetheless, I cannot help but think that this review will be of interest to those who have thought deeply about such issues.