Prompt determination of absolute configuration for epoxy alcohols via exciton chirality protocol

A microscale protocol for determination of absolute configurations of 2,3-epoxy alcohols is described. 2,3-Disubstituted (cis and trans), 2,2-disubstituted, 2,2,3-trisubstituted, and 2,3,3-trisubstituted epoxy alcohols rendered prominent ECCD signals upon complexing with a Lewis acidic porphyrin tweezer and consequently provide straightforward assignment of chirality for epoxy alcohols. This method proved to be rapid, simple, sensitive, and reliable for the class of molecules listed above.