Convergent and Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted E-Alkenyl Bromides and Iodides via β-Oxido Phosphonium Ylides

beta-Oxido phosphonium ylides, generated in situ from aldehydes and Wittig reagents [alkylidene(triphenyl)phosphoranes, other than ethylidene(triphenyl)phosphorane], react readily with electrophilic halogen sources to form predominantly or exclusively E-bromo- or iodosubstituted alkenes. The stereochemical outcome on halogenation is remarkably sensitive to alkylidene size [ethylidene(triphenyl)phosphorane is highly Z-selective].