Wittig-olefination via an yttrium-coordinated betaine.
We report the synthesis of an yttrium phosphonium methylide complex and its reaction with benzophenone to form an excedingly rare hydrocarbon soluble metal-coordinated betaine. While this reaction models the C-C σ-bond formation step of the Wittig reaction under salt-conditions, addition of Ph(3)P=O to the betaine complex results in formation of 1,1-diphenylethene.
Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom.
Mark R
MR
Crimmin
Andrew J P
AJ
White