AC–O-dianionic zincate was generated by a Te/Li exchange reaction of an alkyltelluride, followed by Li/Zn transmetallation and reaction with methyllithium. The reaction between the enantiomerically pure (99% ee)(R)-dianionic zincate and benzoyl chloride led to 3-hydroxy- 1-phenyl pentanone with total retention of the carbon configuration (99% ee). Similar results were obtained using the corresponding Lipshutz cyanocuprates.
