Peterson-type reaction of (trimethylgermy1) acetates 1 with aldehydes and ketones 2 gave stereoselectively (E1-2-alkenoic acid esters (E)-4 after stirring at-78" C and warming to room temperature. High yields of the reaction intermediates threo-and erythro-3-hydroxy-2- (trimethylgermyl) alkanoic acid esters 3 were obtained when the reaction was quenched at- 78" C. The paths for conversion of threo-3 and erythro-3 to (E)-4 are discussed.