Chiral Surfactant-Type Metallomicellar Catalyst: Preparation and Application in Asymmetric Michael Addition in Water

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