Catalytic synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives using scandium(III) triflate

Scandium(III) triflate smoothly catalyzed the reaction of imines with ethyl propiolate (2.5 equiv) to produce the corresponding N-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines in good yields in toluene or BTF under reflux conditions. It also catalyzed the reaction of aniline and ethyl propiolate (3.2 equiv) to give another 1,4-dihydropyridine bearing three ester groups in moderate yield under the same conditions.