A Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed intramolecular tandem 1,5-hydridetransfer/cyclization process to construct 3-amino-3-carboxy-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives has been developed. The methodology gives access to a range of relatively complex tetrahydroquinolines (tetracyclic and pentacyclic heterocycles bearing spirocyclic skeleton and two stereogenic centers) in good to excellent yields with diastereoselectivities