Catalytic Asymmetric Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Activated Phenols and 4‐Oxo‐4‐arylbutenoates

Abstract A highly enantioselective Friedel–Crafts reaction of activated phenols with ( E )‐4‐oxo‐4‐arylbutenoates has been developed with the N , N′ ‐dioxide‐scandium(III) complex as the catalyst. A variety of ( E )‐4‐oxo‐4‐arylbutenoates were found to be suitable substrates for the reaction. The desired products were obtained in moderate to high yields (up to 98%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee ).