The Sharpless epoxidation is a widely used method that involves a titanium-based catalyst and a chiral ligand. The mechanism generally follows these steps:
1. Formation of a complex between the titanium catalyst and the chiral ligand. 2. Activation of the peroxide (usually tert-butyl hydroperoxide). 3. Transfer of the oxygen atom to the alkene, forming the epoxide.
This method is particularly effective for the epoxidation of allylic alcohols and can achieve very high enantioselectivities.
