Bioinspired Mn-aminopyridine catalyzed epoxidations of olefins with various oxidants: Enantioselectivity and mechanism

This mini-review summarizes the progress in the asymmetric epoxidation of olefins in the presence of manganese aminopyridine complexes, achieved in the last decade. The major breakthroughs in catalyst design, that eventually led to the emergence of highly enantioselective (> 99% ee) and efficient (> 1000 TON) catalysts, are discussed. The mechanistic studies carried out in recent years are given particular attention. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.