Abstract The Wittig reaction between n-butylidenetriphenylphosphorane and a series of cyclohexanones of increasing steric hindrance around the carbonyl group has been studied at 7 kbar and 15 kbar pressure (0.75–1.5 GPa) and at 40 C. In all cases, except 2, 2, 6, 6- tetramethylcyclohexanone and fenchone, 45-60% yields of olefins were obtained, in contrast to poor to no yields which were obtained under ambient conditions.