and α-acetammido benzyl carbanions by means of a two-step sequence involving highly diastereoselective α-C-alkylation with alkyl halides followed by displacement of the sulfinyl residue (which can be recovered and recycled) by a hydroxyl, a chlorine or an acetamido, respectively, under non-oxidative Pummererconditions. The scope and limits of the method, including a stereoselective version of the