beta-Dicarbonyl compounds undergo smooth condensation with aliphatic and aromatic amines in the presence of scandium triflate (Sc(OTf)(3)) under solvent-free conditions to afford the corresponding beta-enamino compounds in excellent yields. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration and can be recycled in subsequent reactions. The method is simple, cost-effective and environmentally benign. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.