Application
The Berkessel-Katsuki epoxidation catalyst is designed to streamline and enhance the production of enantiopure epoxides, serving as a crucial tool in synthesizing bioactive compounds. Developed in Albrecht Berkessel's lab, this innovative catalyst enables the enantioselective epoxidation of non-conjugated terminal double bonds using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. By eliminating the need for multiple steps and kinetic resolution, it offers a single-step process via a pre-formed chiral ligand-Ti2O2 catalyst complex. Additionally, the catalyst can be reused under specific conditions, making it a sustainable choice. To optimize its performance, pairing it with co-catalysts such as pentafluorobenzoic acid (P5360) or tetra-n-butylammonium hydrogensulfate (155837) is advised.