Anions of 1-halo-4-hexenyl phosphonamides derived from chiral, enantiopure C-2 symmetrical 1,2-amino cyclohexane react at the gamma-position in conjugate addition reactions with alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as cyclopentenone, 4-(H)-furanone, pyrroline-2-one, and cinnamates to give functionalized adducts. Addition to imines is also possible. The adducts can be transformed into enantiopure or enriched carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds bearing useable functionality. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.