Olefination of Activated Alkyl Halides with Phosphonium Salts

Abstract A base-promoted olefination reaction between alkylphosphonium salts and activated alkyl halides has been developed. The products were obtained in excellent E-selectivity. In contrast to most other olefination reactions of phosphonium salts, the reaction yields triphenylphosphine as the main by-product, which can be directly reused in the formation of new phosphonium salts.