Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation

Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation is a chemical process used to create a specific type of compound called an epoxide, which is a three-membered ring structure containing an oxygen atom. This method is significant because it selectively adds an oxygen atom to one side of a double bond in a molecule, resulting in a chiral product—meaning it can exist in two mirror-image forms. Developed by chemist William Sharpless, this reaction is valuable in producing pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals with specific properties, enhancing their effectiveness and reducing side effects by ensuring the desired orientation of the molecule.