1. Reduction of phenylthiomethylcarbinyl benzoate esters to alkenes with titanium metal. 2. Cyclopentenone synthesis via the alkylating agent 1-(chloromethyl) ethenyl diethyl phosphate

A high yield and simple method for the reduction of phe-nylthiomethylcarbinyl benzoate esters to form alkenes by freshly prepared, highly activated titanium metal is presented. Utilization of the alkylating agent !-(chloromethyl)-ethenyl diethyl phosphate with ketones is developed. Cyclopentenone formation either via alkylation, hydrolysis, and cyclization or directly from alkylated ketones under mild basic conditions is described.