Asymmetric epoxidation of enones using cumyl hydroperoxide and in situ generated zinc complexes of chiral pyrrolidinyl alcohols

The homogeneous asymmetric epoxidation of a range of enones was carried out using cumyl hydroperoxide, diethylzinc, and chiral pyrrolidinyl alcohol-containing ligands to afford the corresponding epoxy ketones with enantioselectivities of ≤97% ee. Examination of the enantioselectivities obtained in the asymmetric epoxidation of enones using a range of chiral ligands indicated that synergy between the sterically bulky bicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeleton and the substituents attached to the carbinol moiety played an important role in determining the reaction enantioselectivity. The position and nature of the substituent on the aromatic ring of the enone also had a pronounced effect on the observed enantioselectivity.