Stereochemically controlled synthesis of unsaturated acids via diphenylphosphinoyl (Ph2PO) -ketoacids

Acylation of phosphine oxide anions with derivatives of cyclic anhydrides or oxidative cleavage of cyclic allyl phosphine oxides gives Ph₂PO-ketoacids: reduction, separation of diastereoisomers, and completion of the Horner-Wittig reaction gives single isomers ($\text{E}$) or ($\text{Z}$) of unsaturated acids.