An improved preparation of epoxides from carbonyl compounds by using diiodomethane/methyllithium: synthetic applications

Synthesis of epoxides starting from different carbonyl compounds is easily carried out by using a diiodomethane and methyllithium at 0°C and a short reaction time. Starting from α-aminoaldehydes the reaction affords amino epoxides, with high diastereoselectivity. The products were transformed into 1,3-diaminoalkan-2-ols by treatment with different amines.