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An initial Roush-modified Horner−Wadsworth−Emmons (HWE) olefination of aldehyde 6 with phosphonate 7 creates the enone 8 in 90% yield.

 

The reaction begins with the depronation of the carbon between the ketone and phosphonate by triethylamine to create a carboanion. The carboanion acts as a nucleophile and attacks aldehyde 6. This is followed by the formation of an intermediate via intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the phosphorus. This intermediate eliminates the phosphate group, producing the alkene product.