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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-968882
Peptide-Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation
Contributor(s):Benjamin List, Daniela KampenYale University, New Haven, USA
Aspartate-Catalyzed Asymmetric Epoxidation Reactions
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129: 8710-8711
Publication History
Publication Date:
23 August 2007 (online)
Key words
epoxidation - peptides - aspartic acid
Significance
Peptide 1 has been designed as organocatalyst for an asymmetric epoxidation of alkenes 2. Protected allylic alcohols 2 react with aqueous H2O2 in the presence of chiral aspartate 1 (10 mol%), DIC, and DMAP to give epoxides 3 in good yields and enantioselectivities. Both cyclic and acyclic precursors can be used. The underlying catalytic cycle presumably involves peracid 4 generated in situ from acid 1 through carboxyl activation.
Comment
Optically active epoxides are of great practical value, in particular as intermediates for the preparation of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals. Recent years have seen the development of various methods for this purpose. In the field of peptide-catalyzed transformations, the Julia-Colonna epoxidation, which requires nucleophilic oxygen donors, represents a prominent example (see review below). In contrast, the oxidant employed in the present approach is electrophilic in nature. An acid-peracid shuttle that exhibits turnover has been unprecedented in asymmetric epoxidation so far. While the substrate scope is currently limited, future improvements of the system can be expected.
Review
D. R. Kelly, S. M. Roberts Biopolymers 2006, 84, 74.