Highly stereoselective hydroxy-alkylation, silylation and alkylation reactions of lithium derivatives of chiral phosphine oxides

Abstract Reactions of lithium derivatives of chiral phosphine oxides with ketones (e.g cyclohexanone, cyclobutanone, valerophenone) and Me 3 SiCl proceed with excellent levels of syn selectivity. In contrast, reactions with methyl iodide are moderately anti selective and those with aldehydes show no selectivity whatsoever.