The Wittig Reaction: Structure, Mechanism, and Stereochemistry

The Wittig reaction enables the conversion of aldehydes and ketones into alkenes via reaction with phosphonium ylides, forming C=C bonds with defined stereochemistry. Developed by Georg Wittig, who was awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the reaction proceeds through betaine and oxaphosphetane intermediates, followed by elimination of triphenylphosphine oxide to yield the alkene. Learn. Review. Repeat.