Highly efficient, reversible addition of activated methylene compounds to styrene derivatives catalyzed by silver catalysts.

[reaction: see text] A highly efficient inter- and intramolecular addition of 1,3-diketone/beta-ketoester to alkenes was developed by using silver catalysts. Silver triflate shows the highest catalytic activity. The reaction is reversible through the cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond by silver at an elevated temperature.