• The dilithio-derivative can be ɑ-monoalkylated in high yield, and the process repeated to give the dialkyl derivative: J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 714 (1975). Reaction of the dianion with terminal epoxides gives -hydroxy acids which can be cyclized to ɑ-phenylthio--lactones. These can desulfurized with Raney nickel: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 108, 5352 (1986), or oxidatively, leading to butenolides: Chem. Lett., 385 (1974).