A novel chiral surfactant-type metallomicellar catalyst for asymmetric Michael addition in water.

Abstract

A series of Schiff-based ligands consisting of both tertiary amines and lipophilic groups were designed and synthesized. Using these ligands, a new chiral surfactant-type metallomicellar catalyst was developed in water, and this was identified by SEM/TEM analyses. These metallomicelles can be empolyed in asymmetric Michael addition reactions in water, delivering the corresponding adducts with excellent yields and enantioselectivities.