Wittig Reaction: Alkenes from Ketones and Aldehydes

Intermediates

 

Cis alkenes predominate

Addition of the ylide occurs in a way to minimize steric interactions in the TS to the addition complex.

The eclipsed form is the only one capable of forming the oxaphosphatane. Because the betaine does not revert to the starting materials, the configuration to form cis-alkenes is forced.