Reactions of (S)-α-(methylthio)-2-(p-tolylsulfinyl)benzyl carbanion with different carbonyl compounds proceeds withcomplete control of the configuration at the benzylic position.Aldehydes yield easily separable mixtures of β-hydroxysulfides, epimers at the hydroxylic carbon, where thestereoselectivity depends on steric factors (from 20% to>98% de).
