Asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to maleimides in primary amine-based aqueous ionic liquid-supported recyclable catalytic system

A primary amine-based aqueous ionic liquid-supported recyclable catalytic system for asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to maleimides has been developed. The best enantioselectivity (up to 84% ee) was attained at the [bmim]BF4/water 2:1 (v/v) ratio.