Reaction of 4-pentynyltriphenylphosphonium bromide 2 with oestrone methyl ether in the presence of potassium tert-butylate produced a spirobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane rather than the anticipated Wittig product. The reaction appears to be general for pinacolone-type ketones, as was demonstrated by several examples. A mechanism for this anomalous reaction is proposed.