Abstract Ethers with the systems chemical structure image, CH 3 C [TRIPLE BOND] C [BOND] CH (OR) 2, CH 3 C [TRIPLE BOND] C [BOND] CH (OR) 3 or-CH 2-CH 2-C [TRIPLE BOND] C [BOND] OR undergo an elimination of ROH [R= alkyl, 2-alkynyl (-CH 2 C [TRIPLE BOND] CR′) phenyl, or 2-tetrahydropyranyl] with formation of 1, 3-enyne derivatives, chemical structure image, on treatment with alkali amides in liquid ammonia.