Ketones, 2-ethenyl synthesis

A convenient synthesis of diethyl (2-arylethenyl)phosphonates starts with readily available diethyl methylphosphonate this is converted into its carbanion (BuLi) and the latter acted upon by an appropriate aldehyde or ketone. The resultant (2-substituted-2-hydroxyethyl)phosphonate is phosphory-lated and, without isolation of the phosphate ester, a treatment with KOBu eliminates diethyl phosphate and yields the desired product Other diethyl (2,2-disubstituted-ethenyl)phosphonates have been prepared by the addition of organomagnesium-copper reagents to diethyl ethynylphos-phonate ... 

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