Lithium hydroxide as base in the Wittig reaction. A simple method for olefin synthesis

A mild and practical procedure for the Wittig olefination, promoted by lithium hydroxide and triphenylbenzyl phosphonium bromide, has been set up for the synthesis of stilbenes and styrenes. The experimental conditions allow aromatic, heteroaromatic, unsaturated and saturated aliphatic aldehydes to give final products in good yields.