Scandium(III) triflate catalyzed 1,4-addition of cyano group to enones using tetraethylammonium cyanide as the cyanide source.

A novel and practical method has been developed for the synthesis of β-cyanoketones using tetraethylammonium cyanide (Et4NCN, TEACN) / Sc(III) triflate and chalcones without the liberation of toxic HCN gas. Availability, safety, easy handling of the reagents, mild conditions of the reaction and high yields, make this method an attractive protocol for the direct synthesis of cyano substituted 1,4-adducts from enones.