Highly efficient synthesis of terminal alkenes from ketones.

[reaction: see text] The rhodium(I)-catalyzed methylenation of ketones using trimethylsilyldiazomethane proceeds to give the corresponding alkenes in good yields (60-97%). The use of an excess of 2-propanol and 1,4-dioxane as a solvent were instrumental to obtain the desired alkenes in high yields. Superior results were achieved with the rhodium(I)-catalyzed methylenation in comparison with the standard Wittig reaction.