Michael reactions in water using Lewis acid–surfactant-combined catalysts

Michael reactions in water using Lewis acid–surfactant-combined catalysts (LASCs) have been developed. In the presence of a catalytic amount of scandium tris(dodecyl sulfate) (STDS), reactions of various β-ketoesters with enones proceeded smoothly in water without any organic solvents, to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in high yields. The catalytic activity in water was found to be higher than that in organic solvents. Among the Lewis acids tested, STDS was proved to be the most superior Lewis acid catalyst for Michael reactions in water.