Molecule-induced homolysis of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) by peracids and dioxirane. A new, simple, selective aerobic radical epoxidation of alkenes

Evidences are reported concerning the molecule-induced homolysis of NHPI by peracids and dioxirane; their combination can be utilized for the aerobic free-radical epoxidation of alkenes with selectivity quite different from the well-known epoxidation by peracids.