Direct α-functionalization of simple aldehydes via oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis.

A direct α-functionalization of simple aldehydes under N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) catalysis and direct generation of ester enolate equivalents from nonfunctionalized aldehydes are disclosed. The catalysis involves selective enolate generation from an oxidatively generated NHC-bounded ester intermediate as a key step. The ester enolate intermediates undergo stereoselective reactions with enones and trifluoromethyl ketones.