N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Sulfenylation of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes

An efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed sulfenylation reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with N-(arylthio)phthalimide has been developed. A wide variety of α-thioenals can be obtained with good to excellent yields and excellent Z-configuration.