Enantioselective Michael additions of β-keto esters to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by a chiral biquinoline N,N′-dioxide–scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate complex

A catalytic, enantioselective Michael addition of β-keto esters to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was achieved by using a chiral biquinoline N,N′-dioxide–scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate complex as a catalyst. The corresponding Michael adducts were obtained in high yields and with enantioselectivities up to 84% ee.