To a stirred solution of hydrazones 3a-i dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (15 ml) was slowly added (30 minutes) PTAB in the molar ratio reported in the Table. After a further 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was poured into a separatory funnel containing ether and 10% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate. The mixture was vigorously shaken until the reaction was complete (monitored by silica gel tic). The organic phase was separated, dried with ...