[shell52080]

I'm having a really hard time figuring out this reaction:

cyclohexanone + CH3-Br ---->(react with Ph3P) ------>(reacts with n-BuLi)

My guess would be that Ph3P forms a bond with the CH3-Br. The n-BuLi would then pull off an H resulting in CH2PhP3. Would the final answer be cyclohexane with a double bond CH2 attached to it?

Thanks

[Dolphinsiu]

Wittig reaction

Ph₃P + RCH₂X --THF--> Ph₃P⁺ -- RCH₂X^- --n-BuLi--> Ph3P⁺ -- C^- HR (ylide)

[AWK]

See reaction mechanism - you lost an oxygen

[shell52080]

I thought the oxygen bonded with the Ph3P. I still don't get it.

[alphahydroxy]

I thought the oxygen bonded with the Ph3P. I still don't get it.

It does! Just google the "wittig reaction" and everything shall become clear...