Abstract
Synthesis of (E,Z)-α-Alkylidene-β-ethoxycarbonyl cyclopentanones 5 and (E,Z)-α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones 7 by condensing phosphonates 3 or 6 with a variety of aldehydes in the presence of aqueous potassium carbonate (6-10M) as base is reported.