(optimum) at a quantity of 0.5 and 0.2 equiv, respectively. A control experiment demonstrates the indispensability of HOAc for the transformation (AgSbF6 alone, 19% ). The enaminone scope is first evaluated by reacting with 2a. For the para substitution on the phenyl ring of 1a, both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups are compatible. Enaminones bearing both alkyl and cycloalkyl substituents display an essentially identical reactivity as the parent 1a (1b, Me, 60%; 1c, Et, 62%; 1d, i Pr, 61%; 1e, cyclohexyl, 63%). The fluoro substituent (1f) suppresses the reactivity to a 40% yield.