Biomimetic Iron-Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidations: Fundamental Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities

The state-of-the-art in the non-enzymatic iron-catalyzed asymmetric epoxidation of CC double bonds is reviewed within the broader context of biomimetic oxidation catalysis. After introducing fundamental concepts of oxygen activation in nature and by man, historical landmarks, recent breakthroughs, scopes and limitations in relation to existing methodologies and their impact on future directions are assessed, focusing mainly on progress made in the last five years.