Kinetic resolution of 2,3-epoxy 3-aryl ketones via catalytic asymmetric ring-opening with pyrazole derivatives

A highly efficient catalytic kinetic resolution of 2,3-epoxy 3-aryl ketones via asymmetric ring-opening with pyrazole derivatives has been achieved by using a chiral N,N'-dioxide-Sc(III) complex as the catalyst. A wide variety of substrates were readily scoped, and the selectivity factors obtained were excellent (up to > 300).