The Wittig Reaction of 2-t-Butoxycarbonyl-1-methoxycarbonylethylidenetriphenylphosphorane: A Surrogate for the Stobbe Reaction

Abstract

The reaction of 2-t-butoxycarbonyl-l-methoxycarbonylethylidenetriphenylphosphorane (3) with a range of aromatic aldehydes has been explored. The resultant itaconic esters, obtained in high yield, are readily converted into methyl 4-acetoxynaphthalene-2-carboxylates.