Asymmetric domino Michael–aldol reactions catalyzed by recyclable PEG supported chiral primary aminoalcohol and primary–secondary diamine catalysts in water

• PEG supported chiral aminoalcohol and chiral diamine were synthesized.
• PEG supported catalysts catalyze asymmetric domino Michael-aldol reactions in water.
• Excellent diastereoselectivities, enantioselectivities and yields were obtained.
• Catalyst recycling was accompanied with little loss of chemical efficiency.

PEG supported chiral primary aminoalcohol and primary–secondary diamine have been synthesized and used to catalyze the asymmetric domino Michael–aldol reactions of benzyl benzoylacetate and α,β-unsaturated ketones in water to afford optically active cyclohexanones. Excellent diastereoselectivities, good to excellent enantioselectivities and good yields were obtained, and catalyst recycling was accompanied by almost intact diastereo- and enantioselectivity and some loss of the chemical efficiency.