The crystal structure of 1,1-dioxo-tetrahydro-1λ6-thiopyran-3-one has been determined and analyzed in terms of the topology of intermolecular interactions between the basic molecule located in the asymmetric part of the unit cell and its first coordination sphere. Supramolecular architecture of the crystal represents packing of strongly bonded flat layers formed mainly due to the SO⋯H–C hydrogen bonds. Comparison of the crystal structure of the title compound and its analogues demonstrates the major role of the sulfonic group in the crystal organization. A layered structure is observed also for cyclic sulfone without the carbonyl group and in the case of replacement of the CO bond by a cyclic oxygen atom. Presence of a saturated six-membered ring is a second factor influencing the crystal structure of the title compound. Absence of a ring in the dimethylsulfone results in formation of a highly corrugated columnar structure. Similar architecture of the crystal is found also for the cyclohexanone. A highly corrugated columnar structure is observed also in the case of replacement of the carbonyl group of the title compound by a considerably more polar sulfoxide S–O bond which is more active in the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds than a sulfone SO2 group.