N-Heterocyclic carbene catalyzed C-acylation reaction for access to linear aminoenones

An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed carbonyl nucleophilic substitution reaction between 1-cyclopropylcarbaldehydes and N-sulfonyl imines is developed for access to linear β-aminoenone products. The β-aminoenones containing cyclopropyl fragments can be afforded in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. The reaction features excellent trans-diastereoselectivities and the desired aminoenone products are all afforded as Z-isomers.