The solvolysis reaction of (4,5)-anti-4-aryl-5-tosyloxy-2(E)-hexenoates 4a-k gave (4,5)-anti-4-aryl-5-hydroxy-2(E)-hexenoates 2a-k and (4,5)-anti-5-aryl-4-hydroxy-2(E)-hexenoates 5a-k along with the complete inversion. This 1,2-aryl migration was induced by treatment with heating in water-saturated nitromethane. On the basis of the substituent effect on the aromatic ring, this 1,2-aryl migration is