Synthesis of aldehydes by a one-carbon homologation of ketones and aldehydes via --α,β-unsaturated isocyanides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/recl.19871060501

Ketones and aldehydes react via a Wittig-Horner-Emmons reaction using diethyl(isocyanomethyl)phosphonate to form α,β-unsaturated isocyanides (4), which are either hydrolyzed as such, under acid conditions, or hydrolyzed after oxidation to α,β-unsaturated isocyanates (6) to give aldehydes containing one additional carbon atom.The scope of the reaction is demonstrated by 20 examples.