Abstract: Allenic phosphonate reagent compositions are described which have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R'=C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups, or R, R'=(CH.sub.2).sub.n (n=2 or 3) or ?CH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 !.Also described are methods for forming such allenic phosphonates from ethynyl-.beta.-ionol, and for converting these allenic compounds to allylic phosphonate compounds which can be used in the synthesis of a variety of biologically-active materials.