• The lithio-derivative reacts with esters to give ?-ketophosphonates, useful precursors of ɑ?-unsaturated ketones by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 88, 5654 (1966). An intramolecular version leads to cyclopentenones: Synth. Commun., 5, 1 (1975); Tetrahedron Lett., 22, 257 (1981). Dimethyl glutarate gives the 3-(phosphonatomethyl)cyclohexenone, olefination of which affords the corresponding 3-alkenylcycloalkenone. Dimethyl succinate also gives this reaction, but in lower yield; higher diesters give acyclic products: J. Org. Chem., 59, 1943 (1994):