Enantioselective Michael addition of beta-keto esters to methyl vinyl ketone employing a chiral N,N'-dioxide-scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate complex as a catalyst.

An enantioselective Michael addition of beta-keto esters to methyl vinyl ketone exploiting a chiral N,N'-dioxide-scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate complex as a catalyst affords the corresponding Michael adducts in high yields and with enantioselectivities of up to 80% ee.