The Arbuzov reaction of (5S, 6S)-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-1, 3, 2-dioxaphosphacycloheptane with various alkyl halides produced acyclic phosphinates in a moderate to high diastereomer excess. The same reaction of (1S, 7S)-9, 9-dimethyl-4-phenyl-3, 5, 8, 10, 4- tetraoxaphosphabicyclo [5.3. 0] decane with the alkyl halides needed the more vigorous reaction conditions and gave phosphinates in a low diastereomer excess. These ...