Novel catalysts and mechanistic investigation in dioxirane-mediated oxidations

The work described in this thesis follows the development of a family of achiral trifluoroketones, which were studied for use as ketone catalysts for the in situ generation of dioxiranes. One of the ketones investigated was a novel solid phase polymer-bound ketone, which led to a new area for dioxirane generation that could be of particular use in industry. Oxidations were run under monophasic and biphasic solvent reaction systems, with emphasis on the former. Ranges of reactions, including epoxidation and alcohol oxidations were examined to test the efficiency of each ketone. It was found that epoxidation reactions gave the most efficient oxidations, although secondary benzylic alcohols also gave evidence of oxidation. [Continues.]