Preparation of 1,3‐dienyl ethers and thioethers by alkali amide induced elimination of alcohol, phenol or thiol from 1,4‐bis‐ethers and ‐thioethers derived from 2‐butene‐1,4‐diol

Ethers and thioethers of the type RXCH2CH=CHCH2XR (X=O or S; R=alkyl or phenyl) undergo a 1,4‐elimination of RXH upon treatment with alkali amides in liquid ammonia, giving 1,3‐dienyl ethers and thioethers RX‐CH=CH‐CH=CH2 in good or excellent yields.