The success of the Sharpless epoxidation can be attributed to five major aspects. First, epoxides can be easily converted into diols, aminoalcohols, and ethers, so formation of chiral epoxides is important in the synthesis of natural products. Second, substrate scope is large, including many primary and secondary allylic alcohols. Third, the products of the Sharpless epoxidation frequently have enantiomeric excesses above 90%. Fourth, the products of the Sharpless epoxidation are predictable. Finally, the reactants for the Sharpless epoxidation are commercially available and relatively inexpensive.