The Boord olefin synthesis is an organic reaction forming alkenes from ethers carrying a halogen atom 2 carbons removed from the oxygen atom (β-halo-ethers) using a metal such as magnesium or zinc.
The reaction, discovered by Cecil E. Boord in 1930[1] is a classic named reaction with high yields and broad scope.
[2] The reaction type is an elimination reaction with magnesium forming an intermediate Grignard reagent.
[2] The original publication describes the organic synthesis of the compound isoheptene in several steps.
In a 1931 publication[3] the scope is extended to 1,4-dienes with magnesium replaced by zinc (see also: Barbier reaction).