A convenient synthesis of olefins via deacylation reaction

A convenient and environmentally-friendly synthetic method of olefins via deacylation reaction is described. The reaction gives olefins by condensation of aldehydes with a variety of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate at room temperature in high yields (70–90%) in one step. The synthetic potential of this strategy can be used as an alternative procedure to the Wittig, Wittig–Horner reactions. The stereochemistry of the resulted olefins was determined by NOE experiment with correct radio frequency and X-ray analysis. The E/Z selectivity of the deacylation reaction depends on the α-substituents of the 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.