Abstract
The olefin formation via the erythro-N,N,N′N′-tetramethyldiamides of 1,2-diaryl-2-hydroxyethane-phosphonic acids 3, 4 in the presence of aqueous hydrochloric acid proceeds not stereospecifically, while in ethanolic solution of hydrochloric acid (Z)-stereospecific olefin formation predominantly takes place. The mechanism of the elimination process is discussed.