Abstract: Novel sugar-based azacrown ethers with phosphinoxidoalkyl side chain (2a-e) have been synthesized. They show significant asymmetric induction as phase transfer catalysts in the Michael addition of 2-nitropropane to chalcone (95% ee) and to 3-fur-2-yl-1- phenyl-propenone (80% ee). Key words: crown compounds, Michael addition, asymmetric catalysis, lariate ether, phase transfer catalysis
