The N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed intermolecular Stetter reaction of aldehydes with α,β-unsaturated sulfones allows the atom-economic and selective formation of γ-keto sulfones in good yields. Key to the success of this unique transition-metal-free carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction is the right choice of the NHC precursor and base. The reaction tolerates a broad range of different aldehydes.

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - India