An efficient and rapid chalcogenide-Morita–Baylis–Hillman process promoted by TBDMSOTf and a thiolane

The ability of the combination of sulfide/TBDMSOTf to promote a chalcogenide-Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction is reported. The original Michael–Mukaiyama-retroaldol sequence took place and furnished the MBH adducts from the corresponding enones and acetals. This one step process could be performed smoothly at low temperatures (−20 to −50 °C) and is rapidly completed within a few hours.