A Diacetate Ketone-Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation of Olefins

A fructose-derived diacetate ketone has been shown to be an effective catalyst for asymmetric epoxidation. High ee values have been obtained for a variety of trans and trisubstituted olefins. including electron-deficient alpha,beta-unsaturated esters as well as certain cis olefins.