In a given Wittig reaction which of the following would not be required? Question 2 options: All of these would be required

Answer

Wittig Reaction Reagent Analysis

🧪 Overview of the Wittig Reaction

The Wittig reaction is used to convert a carbonyl compound (typically an aldehyde or ketone) into an alkene using a phosphonium ylide.

🔧 Required Reagents:

  • Triphenylphosphine (PPh₃): Reacts with an alkyl halide to form a phosphonium salt, a precursor to the ylide.
  • Alkyl halide (e.g., CH₃Br): Used to alkylate triphenylphosphine and form the phosphonium salt.
  • Base (e.g., BuLi or NaH): Deprotonates the phosphonium salt to generate the ylide.
  • Aldehyde or Ketone: The carbonyl compound that reacts with the ylide to form the alkene.

🚫 Which is NOT Always Required?

  • In a fully prepared Wittig reaction, the actual transformation involves the ylide and a carbonyl compound.
  • If a pre-made ylide is available, the reaction can proceed without needing an alkyl halide or even triphenylphosphine.
✘ An alkyl halide is not required if the ylide is already prepared.
✅ Triphenylphosphine and an aldehyde are essential in forming the ylide and reacting with it.

✅ Final Answer:

Correct option: An alkyl halide

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