(R)-(+)-Methyl p-tolyl sulfoxide may be used to prepare (R)-(+)-methyl 3,5-dimethoxy-6-[8-oxo-9-(p-tolylsulfinyl) nonyl] benzoate, an intermediate for (R)-lasiodiplodin synthesis. Its anions undergo addition reaction with nitrones to form optically active a-substituted N-hydroxylamines. (R)-(+)-Methyl p-tolyl sulfoxide also reacts with O-mesitylsulfonylhydroxylamine (MSH) to form (-)-(R)-S-methyl-S-p-tolylsulfoximine.