This letter describes the first example of diastereoselective 'organocatalyzed' synthesis of the butenolide products substituted at the gamma-position by a chain bearing hydroxyl groups. The urea-derivative 4 has proved to be an efficient catalyst for the addition of the commercial TMSOF to carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions. The reaction conditions and generality of the procedure have been examined. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.