Ce(OTf)3‑Catalyzed Asymmetric 6π Cyclization of Triaryldivinyl Ketones

The rare-earth Ce(OTf)3-catalyzed asymmetric 6π cyclization of triaryl­divinyl ketones is realized, affording methyl (R,E)-1-aryl-2-arylmethylidene-3-hydroxy-1,4-dihydro­naphthalene-2-carboxylates in moderate to good yields with good to excellent enantio­selectivities. The reaction provides a new strategy for the construction of optically active 3-hydroxy-1,4-dihydro­naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid derivatives.