Chiral N,N′-Dioxide-Scandium(III)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation of 2-Arylidene-1,3-diketones with Hydrogen Peroxide

The catalytic asymmetric epoxidation of 2-arylidene-1,3-diketones using aqueous 30% H2O2 as oxidant has been successfully realized by a N,N'dioxide-scandium(III) triflate [Sc(OTf)(3)] complex, giving the corresponding products in moderate to good yields (up to 85%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) under mild reaction conditions without extra additives.