A series of 3-C-alkyl- (and 3-C-phenyl-) 2,3-dideoxy-D-erythro-pentono-1,4-lactones, compounds which are important in the synthesis of modified nucleosides and antibiotic sugars, were synthesized from D-ribonolactone. By a route that proceeded via 5-O-protected D-ribonolactone, 5-O-protected 2,3-dideoxy-D-glycero-pent-2-enono-1,4-lactones were synthesized and reacted with R2CuLi or a complex PhSCu(RMgBr)n to give respectively the 3-C-alkyl or 3-C-phenyl compounds. Details of the preparation of the O-protected intermediates, as well as the selection of the organometallic reagents, are provided.