Tandem Michael-Wittig Horner reaction one-pot synthesis of δ-substituted α,β-unsaturated esters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)01729-2

A direct synthesis of δ-substituted α,β-unsaturated esters from unsubstituted aldehydes or ketones has been accomplished in high yield by a tandem 1,4-addition and Wittig-Horner reaction. The Copper-enolate obtained after the first step was able to deprotonate the highly addic phosphonate generating thus the two components necessary for the second coupling reaction.