abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of oxirane compounds of formula II from keto compounds III using dimethyl sulfide (CH 3 ) 2 S and dimethylsulfate (CH 3 ) 2 SO 4 , forming the reagent IV, trimethylsulfonium methylsulfate [(CH 3 ) 3 S+ CH 3 SO 4 -], in aqueous solution in the presence of potassium hydroxide (KOH). |