Generally, nucleophilic epoxidations are carried out under inert atmosphere in anhydrous conditions. For zinc-mediated epoxidations, diethylzinc and ligand are first mixed and oxidized, then the enone is introduced. Lanthanide-mediated epoxidations typically require an additive to stabilize the catalyst; this is most commonly triphenylphosphine oxide or triphenylarsine oxide.
Phase-transfer catalyzed epoxidations may be carried out using one of three possible sets of reaction conditions: (1) sodium hypochlorite at room temperature, (2) freshly prepared 8 M potassium hypochlorite, or (3) trichloroisocyanuric acid in aqueous or non-aqueous conditions.
Among polypeptide-based methods, employing a phase transfer catalyst and triphasic media permits lower catalyst loadings. Biphasic conditions using an organic base in conjunction with urea/HO may also be used.