Phosphonate containing molecules show a wide range of biological activity. Examples include inhibitors of EPSP synthase, (HIV)-H-1 protease,(2) renin(3) and more recently PTPases.(4) As part of our combinatorial chemistry program, the development of an efficient method for the synthesis of alpha-hydroxy phosphonates of general formula 1 was initiated. The need for rapid synthesis and isolation of pure compounds prompted us to adopt a solid support methodology.