Like other strong nucleophiles, triphenylphosphine attacks
and opens epoxides. The initial product (a betaine) quickly
cyclizes to an oxaphosphetane that collapses to an alkene
and triphenylphosphine oxide.
(a) Show each step in the reaction of trans-2,3-epoxybutane
with triphenylphosphine to give but-2-ene.
What is the stereochemistry of the double bond in the product?