Abstract
Martin and Kellen-Yuen develop a simple, greener Wittig reaction for the synthesis of a variety of aromatic alkenes from unstabilized Wittig salts using a domestic microwave oven and standard glassware. This synthetic approach is a well-established and widely used transformation that requires the use of strong, often pyrophoric bases such as butyllithium or sodium amide. It also requires expensive glassware, anhydrous solvents, and several hours of laboratory time. It provides excellent example of the long-range coupling that can occur through the alkene.