The course of the Wittig reaction was investigated by rapid injection
NMR spectroscopy. Rate constants for the formation of oxaphosphetanes
were determined. A new dynamic equilibrium of oxaphosphetanes was obse
rved for the first time. The solvent and substituent dependence of the
new effect was investigated. By labeling various oxaphosphetanes with
C-13 and O-17 the lithium salt dependence of the new equilibrium was
shown. A lithium adduct of oxaphosphetanes under these conditions is p
roposed.