The α-substituted phosphonates (OCH2CMe2CH2O) P (O) CH (X)(Ar)[X= Cl, OMe, NMe2 and OSiMe3], useful precursors for Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reactions, are readily prepared by treating (OCH2CMe2CH2O) PX with an aromatic aldehyde. In the reaction of (OCH2CMe2CH2O) PCl with furfuraldehyde and cinnamaldehyde, the 5- chlorofurfurylphosphonate (OCH2CMe2CH2O) P (O) CH2 (5-Cl-C4H2O) and the γ- ...