The one-pot Wittig reaction: A facile synthesis of α,β- unsaturated esters and nitriles by using nanocrystalline magnesium oxide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/adsc.200606001

Nanocrystalline magnesium oxide was found to be an effective heterogeneous, solid base catalyst for the one-pot Wittig reaction to afford α,β-unsaturated esters and nitriles in excellent yields with high E-stereoselectivity in the presence of triphenylphosphine under mild conditions.