I. "On Water" Wittig Reaction Laboratory Experiment The aqueous Wittig reaction is a suitable undergraduate experiment which allows for instructors to effectively and very quickly demonstrate and promote a greener alternative of an alkene synthesis in the organic chemistry teaching laboratory. There is an opportunity for students to compare previously reported Wittig reaction approaches and evaluate those with the green "on water" type Wittig reaction methodology. II. Development of an "On Water" Catalytic Wittig Reaction The achievement of an "on water" catalytic Wittig reaction is the next big step in making the Wittig reaction greener. Employing the normal phosphine oxide by-product of the Wittig reaction as the catalyst will improve the reactions overall atom economy. The development of an "on water" catalytic Wittig reaction using triphenylphosphine oxide and 3-methyl-1-phenylphospholane oxide is reported. 3-Methyl-1 phenylphospholane oxide compared to triphenylphosphine oxide is a more promising catalyst to achieve an "on water" catalytic Wittig reaction because it reduces more easily.
