Epoxidation of Chalcone Derivatives under Visible-Light Irradiation: An Organophotoredox Catalytic Approach

Abstract 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.