An N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed intermolecular Stetter reaction of aromatic aldehydes with N-substituted itaconimides has been developed. A delicate balance between the Stetter reaction and the competing isomerization of the itaconimide double bond has been achieved in this operationally simple reaction to afford valuable new succinimide derivatives containing 1,4 and 1,5 dicarbonyl scaffolds in good to excellent yields. The reaction tolerates variable substituents on both aldehydes and N-substituted itaconimides.

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