On the structure and reactivity of a stabilized phosphorane: methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene) acetate
1990 ◽
Vol 68
(12)
◽
pp. 2123-2128
◽
Keyword(s):
In the absence of a source of acidic protons, methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate 1 exists as a mixture of the cis and trans isomers even at room temperature. Acidic protons catalyze the interconversion of the two forms and facilitate the reaction of the ylide with active carbonyl compounds such as benzaldehyde or phthalic anhydride. Keywords: stabilized phosphoylide, structure, reactivity.