An oxidative 纬-functionalization of enals under N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis to give unsaturated 未-lactones is disclosed. Enantioselectivity control involving the relatively remote enal 纬-carbon was achieved via Lewis acid [Sc(OTf)3 or combined Sc(OTf)3/Mg(OTf)2] and NHC cooperative catalysis.