Asymmetric Darzens reaction utilizing chloromethyl phenyl sulfone under phase-transfer catalyzed conditions

The development of the catalytic asymmetric Darzens reaction utilizing chloromethyl phenyl sulfone is described. The reaction smoothly proceeded to give alpha,beta-epoxysulfones with satisfactory enantio selectivity (up to 83% ee) using chiral quaternary ammonium salts as the phase transfer catalyst. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.