Studies on the deprotonation and subsequent [1,4]-Wittig rearrangement of α-benzyloxyallylsilanes

Upon exposure to s-BuLi, benzyloxyallylsilane undergoes an unusually rapid and efficient [1,4]-Wittig rearrangement. Herein we describe efforts aimed at trapping the intermediate α-carbanion with an electrophile prior to rearrangement. The results of these experiments indicate that α-deprotonation and bond reorganization are separate events. Findings herein further indicate that the future success of benzyloxyallylsilanes in [1,4]-Wittig rearrangements will likely hinge on the acidity of the benzylic protons.