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A simple method to transform sulfones into nitrones and therefore into the corresponding carbonyl derivatives has been developed. Some examples demonstrate that it is a new reliable and versatile reaction in the toolbox of sulfones that has great synthetic potential. NMR and computational studies were used to elucidate the mechanism.

[reaction: see text] N-Sulfinylimines derived from aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes and ketones react with nitromethane and NaOH in a highly diastereoselective manner under mild conditions. In the presence of TBAF, the reaction rates are strongly increased and the stereoselectivity is inverted. This method provides enantiomerically pure beta-nitroamines derived from enolizable aldimines and ketimines, which so far are hardly accessible by aza-Henry reactions.

[Reaction: see text] A simple procedure to obtain N-sulfonyl imines involving the condensation of carbonyl compounds with p-tolyl or tert-butyl sulfinamides followed by oxidation with m-CPBA of the resulting N-sulfinylimines is reported. The method is applicable to aldehydes (aliphatics and aromatics) and ketones (diaryl, dialkyl, and aryl alkyl), even those containing enolizable protons. It also does not affect C=N or C=C double bonds and does not epimerize alpha-stereogenic centers.

Arylacetonitriles are able to participate in organocatalytic Michael additions to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes by incorporating a nitro group at the phenyl ring, which acts as a temporary activating group in a remote position and allows further transformations. The sequential protocol Michael addition/NaBH(4) reduction/lactonization allows the synthesis of diastereomerically pure disubstituted lactones in high yield and optical purity.