Asymmetric synthesis at nitrogen by oxidation of imines with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in the presence of optically active alcohols

Optically active oxaziridines, stable at the chiral nitrogen atom, have been obtained in 1–19% optical yields, by oxidation of imines with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in the presence of optically active alcohols; the absolute stereochemistry of the reaction depends on the chirality of the alcohols used.