Base-catalyzed cascade 1,6-sulfur-Michael/Henry reaction of trifluoromethyl-substituted styrylisoxazoles: Diastereoselective synthesis of tetrahydrothiophenes with a trifluoromethylated quaternary center

•The synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydrothiophenes containing trifluoromethylated quaternary carbon center.•Base-catalyzed cascade 1,6-sulfur-Michael/Henry reaction of trifluoromethyl-substituted styrylisoxazoles.•Works well with a wide range trifluoromethyl-substituted styrylisoxazoles.