Asymmetric epoxidation alcohol-free dichloromethane

For the asymmetric epoxidation reaction, dry alcohol-free dichloromethane (the use of dichloromethane stabilized with methanol must be avoided) is usually the solvent of choice It is inert to the reagents, has good solvent power for the components of the reaction, and supports good epoxidation rates. A fortunate consequence of the asymmetric epoxidation process is that ligation of the allylic alcohol to the Ti center aids in solubilization of the substrate. Substrates that normally may be only modestly soluble in the above-mentioned solvents will be brought into solution as they complex with the Ti-tartrate catalyst. 

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