PEG-embedded potassium tribromide ([K+PEG]Br3
−) was found to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of functionalized piperidines in high yields in a one step, three component coupling between aldehyde, amine and β-keto ester. At the end of the reaction the [K+PEG]Br3
− was readily regenerated from the reaction mixture by treating the residue containing [K+PEG]Br− with molecular bromine.