Thermoresponsive chiral salen Mn(III) complexes as efficient and reusable catalysts for the oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols in water.

Highlights: [•] Chiral salen Mn(III) complex was first modified by the thermoresponsive PNIPAAm group. [•] PNIPAAm group endowed the catalysts with thermoregulated phase transfer capability. [•] Chiral secondary alcohols are obtained in excellent ee with high k rel value in water. [•] Phase-transfer catalysts can be easily recovered for reuse by regulating the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]