Use of a switchable-hydrophilicity solvent as both a solvent and a catalyst in aldol condensation

A switchable-hydrophilicity solvent, N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, was used as a recyclable catalyst and solvent for aldol condensation, giving >97% pure product in 94% isolated yield without the need for purification or additional solvents. CO2-triggered separation produced yields greater than conventional workup and allowed facile recycling of the amine.