Likewise, the results obtained for (E)-2a, the use of stabilized ylides (Table 2, entries 3 and 4) provided the expected E alkenes. In the particular case of the α-cyano phosphorane reagent, complete stereoselectivity was not achieved (E:Z ratio of 5:1) as it has been previously observed in similar reactions [26]. Fortunately, both products were easily separated by column chromatography.