Alkene epoxidation is an exciting reaction in which a double bond reacts with a peroxy acid to form an epoxide. This is considered a syn addition since the oxygen is bound to 2 carbon atoms.
Most organic chemistry students are not required to know the mechanism for epoxidation, however I find that knowing the mechanism will help you understand the product for this reaction.
The video below starts with a peroxy acid introduction including mCPBA and peroxyacetic acid. This is followed by a shortcut to quickly find the products, and finally the concerted cyclic mechanism to form the epoxide and carboxylic acid.
Alkene Epoxidation Reaction and Mechanism
For another detailed explanation, see my written tutorial on the Alkene Epoxidation Reaction and Mechanism with mCPBA.
Watch previous video: Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Watch next video: Ozonolysis of Alkenes
Return to: Alkene Reaction Mechanisms Home Page
Which december for ozonolysis ?
Is there any video for mechanism of onozonlysis reaction (both oxidation and reduction)?