Three-component coupling of an anionic nucleophile, butadienyltripheny
lphosphonium bromide, and an aldehyde gave conjugated dienes of predom
inantly (E,Z) configuration. Dianions of beta-dicarbonyl systems and d
icarboxylic acids, and monoanions of sulfones were employed as nucleop
hiles. Stereoselectivity in favor of an(E,Z)-1,3-diene was highest whe
n a beta-dicarbonyl dianion was used in conjunction with an alpha-bran
ched aldehyde.