In Situ Generation of Formaldehyde and Triphenylphosphine from (Hydroxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium and Its Application in Wittig Olefination

The reaction of (hydroxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium with benzylic or allylic halide under basic conditions at room temperature affords terminal alkenes in 61–89% yields. In this reaction, both formaldehyde and triphenylphosphine are in situ generated from (hydroxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium and further undergo Wittig olefination with benzylic or allylic halide.