Cross-coupling reactions typically rely on the use of transition metal catalysis. However, although achieving this process using metal-free organocatalysts is highly challenging, it could offer unique opportunities to discover novel bond-forming strategies in organic synthesis. Here we report a new amine catalysed direct stereoselective C-H α -arylation reaction of unmodifi ed enals with bromoarenes. The power of this process, which involves an unprecedented iminiumMichael-alkylation-enamine-retro-Michael cascade sequence, has been demonstrated in the context of direct α -functionalization reactions of simple, unmodifi ed enals with 4-bromophenols, 1-bromo-2-naphthol and 3-bromoindoles under mild reaction conditions. Notably, the process can be used for highly stereoselective syntheses of non-readily accessible E isomers, which normally require the use of transition metal-promoted cross-couplings and functionalized enals. The results of these studies signifi cantly expand the scope of aminocatalysis.