A) Considering the mechanism of the Wittig reaction, speculate what the driving force for the decomposition of the oxaphosphentane intermediate might be.
B) Write equations for the preparation of the following alkenes by the Wittig reaction or the Wadsworth- Emmons modification of the Wittig reaction. Start with any carbonyl compound and Witting or Wadsworth- Emmons reagent together with any other organic or inorganic reagents that you require.
C6H5CH=C (CH3) C6H5
CH2= CH- CH= CH- C6H5
(CH3)2C= CH- CO2C2H5