Wharton_reaction
The Wharton olefin synthesis or the Wharton reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the reduction of α,β-epoxy ketones using hydrazine to give allylic alcohols.[1][2][3] This reaction, introduced in 1961 by P. S. Wharton, is an extension of the Wolff–Kishner reduction. The general features of this synthesis are: 1) the epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones is achieved usually in basic conditions using hydrogen peroxide solution in high yield; 2) the epoxy ketone is treated with 2–3 equivalents of a hydrazine hydrate in presence of substoichiometric amounts of acetic acid. This reaction occurs rapidly at room temperature with the evolution of nitrogen and the formation of an allylic alcohol.[1] It can be used to synthesize carenol compounds. Wharton's initial procedure has been improved.[4]