An efficient synthesis of olefins by the coupling of stabilized, semi-stabilized, and non-stabilized phosphorus ylides with various carbonyl compounds in the presence of silver carbonate is reported. Wittig olefination of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic aldehydes (yields > 63%) and a ketone (yield 42%) are demonstrated. These reactions proceed overnight at room temperature, under weakly basic conditions, and as such extend the applicability of the Wittig reaction to base-sensitive reactants.

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