Abstract
Methanephosphonic acid monoester 4 is synthesized by the reaction of (R)-1,1,2-triphenyl-1,2-ethanediol (3) with methanephoshonyl dichloride, followed by hydrolysis. In a similar way, phosphonic acid monoester 8 is obtained from triphenyl glycol 3 and phosphorus trichloride. When acid or alkaline hydrolyses are avoided, the cyclic phosphonate 5 is available from glycol 3 and methanephosphonyl dichloride in a diastereoselective manner.