The present invention provides compounds and methods that can be used to
convert the intermmediate halomethyl ketones (HMKs), e.g., chloromethyl
ketones, to the corresponding S,S- and R,S-diastereomers. More
particularly, the present invention provides: (1) reduction methods; (2)
inversion methods; and (3) methods involving the epoxidation of alkenes.
Using the various methods of the present invention, the R,S-epoxide and
the intermediary compounds can be prepared reliably, in high yields and
in high purity.