A novel methodology for the epoxidation
of a broad range of primary,
secondary, and tertiary allylic alcohols is described using
tert
-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant and Ti(III) species
generated by reduction of Ti(IV) complexes, with manganese (0) in
1,4-dioxane under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeded
with wide substrate scope and high chemo- and diastereoselectivity.
A mechanistic pathway for the reaction is also discussed.