The 3, &dioxo derivatives of phosphonanes, readily formed by ozonolysis of cyclohexano [c] phospholene oxides, are valuable precursors of other phosphonane derivatives. For the l- methyl derivative, the bis (ethy1ene dithioketal) derivative can be reduced to the parent phosphonane ring, and the carbonyl groups can be reduced (NaBH, or Hz) to the diol (diastereomeric mixture). On dehydration of the diol, a 1, 5 hydride shift occurred to give a ...