ylides derived from short-chain trialkylphosphines in the Wittig-type olefinationreactions toward the synthesis of alkenes, including stilbenes, styrenes, and 1,3-dienes, as well as reagents for homologation reactions, are described. The methods allow easy access to alkenes with high (E)-stereoselectivity in good yield. These reactions are conducted with weak bases in aqueous media, which allows easy