Noncovalently supported heterogeneous chiral amine catalysts for asymmetric direct aldol and Michael addition reactions

A new strategy for the immobilization of asymmetric organocatalysts by combining polystyrene (PS)/sulfonic acids and chiral amines in situ through acid-base interactions is presented. The PS/sulfonic acids play a dual role as catalyst anchors and modulators for activity and stereoselectivity. Different types of polymeric sulfonic acids were examined and 1% divinylbenzene (DVB) cross-linked PS/sulfonic acid le with a medium loading of sulfonic acid moieties was found to be the optimal support. Furthermore, the noncovalency of this system allows combinatorial screening of optimal catalysts for the targeted reactions. In this regard, highly efficient and enantioselective heterogeneous catalysts were identified for the asymmetric direct aldol and Michael addition reactions. The catalysts could be easily recovered by filtration and reused for six cycles with similar stereoselectivity but slightly decreased activity. Significantly, the deactivated catalysts could be regenerated following an acidic washing/amine recharging procedure.