WittigReaktion
The Wittig reaction is a chemical reaction used to convert aldehydes or ketones into alkenes. It involves the reaction of a phosphorus ylide with a carbonyl compound. Phosphorus ylides, also known as Wittig reagents, are prepared by treating an alkyl halide with triphenylphosphine, followed by deprotonation with a strong base. The ylide then undergoes a cycloaddition reaction with the carbonyl compound, forming a four-membered ring intermediate called an oxaphosphetane. This intermediate subsequently decomposes to yield the desired alkene and triphenylphosphine oxide, a stable byproduct.
The stereochemistry of the alkene product can often be controlled depending on the structure of the ylide