Historical landmarks of the application of molecular transition metal catalysts for olefin epoxidation

Various polymers, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food additives and flavor & fragrance compounds are based on epoxide intermediates. This historical perspective covers the landmarks of molecular transition metal catalysts for olefin epoxidation. The historic developments of Mo and V catalysts, methyltrioxorhenium and both Sharpless and Jacobsen asymmetric epoxidation are covered and an outlook on new upcoming systems is given.