[zsinger]

All,
I am going to teach the Wittig in my review session, and I think it is worth mentioning the Tebbe's reagent, and its synthetic utility when one has a sterically hindered carboxylic acid derivative such an amide or ester groups.  Never run the reaction myself, but the professor of their class said any alternative synthesis with reagents not spoken about in the lecture is grounds for bonus points.  Just so I do not teach it to them wrong, I understand the reaction to proceed in pyridine?  Any other points would be greatly appreciated.  I have already done a literature review, and it seems like a pretty kick-arse little trick for methyleneation of an otherwise "deactivated" carbon.
              -Zack

[AlphaScent]

Zach,

After looking at the compound on wikipedia I agree totally that there is some great chemistry going on there.  Quite useful indeed.  I would say keep it simple and explain why you would use that reagent instead of say methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide.  The Wittig reagent used instead of the Tebbe's reagent. 

Great idea for sure.

Wonder how expensive the material is..

[AlphaScent]

Holy expensive!! $620.00 USD from aldrich for 100 mL of a 0.5 M solution.

[kriggy]

Holy expensive!! $620.00 USD from aldrich for 100 mL of a 0.5 M solution.

Thats like.. very expensive.
You can synthesise it in the lab if you want, doesnt look "that difficult".