Wittig Reaction

Ph₃P=CHR + R'CHO → R'CH=CHR + Ph₃P=O

Overview

A phosphorus ylide (Wittig reagent) reacts with an aldehyde or ketone to form an alkene and triphenylphosphine oxide. This reaction specifically converts C=O to C=C, making it invaluable for alkene synthesis with precise double bond placement. Georg Wittig won the 1979 Nobel Prize for this reaction.

Everyday Example

Vitamin A and beta-carotene are synthesized industrially using Wittig reactions to build their polyene chains with correct geometry.

Industrial Importance

The Wittig reaction is used to synthesize vitamin A, beta-carotene, prostaglandins, and numerous pharmaceutical intermediates on industrial scale.

Properties

Type: Organic
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -90.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Wittig Reaction?

The balanced equation is: Ph₃P=CHR + R'CHO → R'CH=CHR + Ph₃P=O.

What type of reaction is Wittig Reaction?

Wittig Reaction is a organic reaction.

Is Wittig Reaction exothermic or endothermic?

Wittig Reaction is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -90.0 kJ/mol.