Asymmetric epoxidation of electron-deficient olefins

Abstract

In recent years, methods for the asymmetric epoxidation of electron-deficient olefins, particularly α,β-enones, have attracted widespread attention. A critical review is presented of these methods, which include epoxidations with chiral metal hydroperoxides, asymmetric phase-transfer methods, the use of polyamino acid catalysts and the use of chiral dioxiranes.