TheBoord olefin synthesis is anorganic reaction formingalkenes fromethers carrying ahalogen atom 2 carbons removed from the oxygen atom (β-halo-ethers) using a metal such asmagnesium orzinc. The reaction, discovered byCecil E. Boord in 1930[1] is a classicnamed reaction with high yields and broad scope.[2]
The reaction type is anelimination reaction with magnesium forming an intermediateGrignard reagent. The alkoxy group is a poorleaving group and therefore anE1cB elimination reaction mechanism is proposed.[2] The original publication describes theorganic synthesis of the compoundisoheptene in several steps.
In a 1931 publication[3] the scope is extended to1,4-dienes with magnesium replaced byzinc (see also:Barbier reaction). In the first part of the reaction theallyl Grignard acts as a nucleophile innucleophilic aliphatic substitution.
