Background It is evident from a survey of the literature that reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds with trivalent phosphorus reagents might provide a convenient route to the desired dicarbomethoxystilbene oxides. In a publication of considerable practical significance, Mark78 reported that 2, 3-diaryloxiranes 4 are formed in moderate to high yields upon treatment of aryl aldehydes 1 (particularly those bearing electronegative ...