What is a common byproduct of the Wittig reaction?

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Multiple Choice

What is a common byproduct of the Wittig reaction?

Explanation:
The Wittig reaction uses a phosphorane ylide derived from triphenylphosphine. When this ylide reacts with a carbonyl compound, the reaction forms an alkene and, as a consequence of oxidizing the phosphorus center during the process, triphenylphosphine oxide is produced. This oxide is the typical byproduct regardless of which carbonyl partner is used, because the phosphorus fragment is kept and ends up in the oxidized Ph3P=O form. Other small molecules like water, methane, or carbon dioxide aren’t formed in this mechanism, so they aren’t the byproduct you’d expect.

The Wittig reaction uses a phosphorane ylide derived from triphenylphosphine. When this ylide reacts with a carbonyl compound, the reaction forms an alkene and, as a consequence of oxidizing the phosphorus center during the process, triphenylphosphine oxide is produced. This oxide is the typical byproduct regardless of which carbonyl partner is used, because the phosphorus fragment is kept and ends up in the oxidized Ph3P=O form. Other small molecules like water, methane, or carbon dioxide aren’t formed in this mechanism, so they aren’t the byproduct you’d expect.

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