The first separation and stereochemical determination of bis(α-hydroxyalkyl) phosphinic acids diastereoisomers

A separation of bis(α-hydroxyalkyl) phosphinic acid diastereoisomers is described. A novel method for the determination stereochemistry of bis(α-hydroxyalkyl) phosphinic acid diastereoisomers has been developed. The stereochemistry of one diastereoisomer was confirmed after converting to the corresponding methyl ester using trimethyl orthoformate.