Epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones under visible-light irradiation constitutes
a significant chemical transformation with potential applications in the synthesis
of epoxypropane derivatives. An organophotoredox catalytic system is herein reported
to facilitate efficient aerobic epoxidation. This protocol enables the conversion
of α,β-unsaturated ketones into their corresponding epoxy products with moderate to
high yields under benign reaction conditions. The methodology demonstrates broad functional-group
compatibility, providing a reliable and direct route to a variety of functionalized
epoxypropane compounds. Additionally, the absence of heavy metals in this strategy
renders it particularly suitable for the pharmaceutical industry, offering a new avenue
for the synthesis of epichlorohydrin drugs.
Key words
organophotocatalysis - epoxidation - epoxy ketones - enones - phenanthraquinone -
medicinal chemistry
