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 beta-keto esters to alpha,beta-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. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.