Abstract A simple synthesis of (E)-alk-1-enyl mesylates from (E)-alk-1-enylphosphonates is reported. Construction of γ-hydroxy-α, β-unsaturated compounds was achieved by a two- step process involving dihydroxylation of the enol mesylates followed by HWE reaction of the resulting α-hydroxy aldehydes with activated methylphosphonates. Enantioselective synthesis of the title compounds is also reported.
