Synthesis of unsaturated esters from aldehydes: An inexpensive, practical alternative to the Horner-Emmons reaction under neutral conditions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)10182-4

A practical, efficient, and mild process is described for the synthesis of unsaturated esters from aldehydes in good yields and diastereoselectivities. All of the reagents used in the protocol are commercially available at a nominal price: N₂CHCO₂Et, catalytic (1 mol%) ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂, and (EtO)₃P. Additionally, the reaction process can be carried out successfully in good yields (85%) and diastereoselectivities (>20:1) with reagent-grade solvent without prior purification of the reagents.