A variety of beta-keto phosphonates can be converted to gamma-keto phosphonates through reaction with ethyl(iodomethyl)zinc. The presence of alpha-alkyl substituents, Lewis basic functionality, and modestly acidic NH-protons are accommodated in substrates of this reaction. Chain extension of beta-keto phosphonates that contained olefinic functionality proceeded more quickly than cyclopropanation; however, it was not possible to effect the chain extension to the exclusion of cyclopropane formation. A primary reason for this imperfect chemoselectivity appears to be the slow chain extension of beta-keto phosphonates. Nevertheless, the simplicity, the scope, and efficiency of this method serve to make it an attractive alternative to the established methods for gamma-keto phosphonate formation.
