Hydrofunctionalization is one of the most important transformation reactions of alkenes which allows for rapid increase in molecular complexity by installing functional groups across the carbon–carbon double bonds. In this context, over the past few years, the experimental synthesis of biologically important aliphatic sulfones through the hydrosulfonylation of olefinic double bonds has attracted tremendous attention due to its straightforward manner with high atom- and step-economy, and also easily accessible starting materials. The aim of the present paper is to perform a review of recent advances made on this research topic, with special emphasis on the mechanistic aspect of the reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]