Asymmetric epoxidation of terminal alkenes with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by pentafluorophenyl Pt(II) complexes

New PtII chiral catalysts were developed for AE of terminal alkenes with environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, resulting in the production of the corresponding terminal epoxides with moderate to good yields, ee up to 98%, and complete regioselectivity in the case of dienes. The key role on this behavior is played by the choice of PtII as the metal center and -C6F5 as ligand, imparting the proper electronic properties to the metal, while at the same time, increasing the rigidity and steric hindrance of the complexes.19 This property explains the strong steric effect observed with different substrates.