Question

Choose the statements that accurately describe the Wittig reaction.

STRATEGY: Review the characteristics of the Wittig reaction. Consider the types of reactants involved, the type of transformation that occurs, and the types of products that result.

A. the product is an ylide
B. involves a ylide as a reactant/intermediate
C. results in a betaine intermediate
D. a ketone is a required reactant
E. a C=C bond becomes saturated

Answer 1

C. results in a betaine intermediate

D. a ketone is a required reactant

Step-by-step explanation:

The Wittig reaction uses phosphorus ilides to transform aldehydes and ketones into alkenes, betaine resulting as an intermediate and triphenylphosphine oxide as a by-product.

Answer 2

B. Involves a ylide as a reactant/intermediate

C. Results in a betaine intermediate

Step-by-step explanation:

The Wittig reaction is the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a triphenylphosphonium ylide to form an alkene.

A betaine intermediate is the precursor to an oxaphosphetane intermediate.

A. is wrong. The ylide is a reactant/intermediate.

D. is wrong. The reactant can be an aldehyde

E. is wrong. A C=O bond becomes a C=C bond.