Abstract:
A method for increasing the rate of phosphine oxide reduction, preferably during a Wittig reaction comprising use of an acid additive is provided. A room temperature catalytic Wittig reaction (CWR) the rate of reduction of the phosphine oxide is increased due to the addition of the acid additive is described. Furthermore, the extension of the CWR to semi-stabilized and non-stabilized ylides has been accomplished by utilization of a masked base and/or ylide-tuning.