Wittig reaction is one of the important reactions for synthesizing olefins, and it plays an important role in the field of fine organic synthesis with good stereo-selectivity and yield. But the mechanism and influencing factors are not clear. Scientists have developed the Wittig-Horner reaction and aza-Wittig reaction to make up for the deficiency of Wittig reaction. First, this article introduces structural design and synthesis by Wittig reaction in the form of extra-ring double bonds, alpha, α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, conjugated polyene, heterocyclic compounds, etc. Then, Wittig reaction is reviewed in the fields of life science, medical pharmacy, agricultural production, functional materials and other fields. Finally, the development trend is forecasted.