Abstract
The reaction of diylids 1 toward carbonates, carbamates, thiocarbamates, isocyanates, carbodiimides and sulfinates allow the quantitative preparation of functional Wittig reagents, which can be used in situ in the E-stereoselective synthesis of the corresponding α,β-unsaturated derivatives of carboxylic (or sulfinic) acids. The diylids 2 or yldiid 3 can be used as synthetic equivalents of RNH− 2 or NH2− anions and allow normal or functional alkylation of the nitrogen atom.