Asymmetric Darzens reaction utilizing chloromethyl phenyl sulfone under phase-transfer catalyzed conditions

The development of the catalytic asymmetric Darzens reaction utilizing chloromethyl phenyl sulfone is described. The reaction smoothly proceeded to give α,β-epoxysulfones with satisfactory enantioselectivity (up to 83% ee) using chiral quaternary ammonium salts as the phase transfer catalyst.