We describe the allylation and propargylation of 3-formylce-phalosporins under zinc-mediated, aqueous Barbier conditions, from which the corresponding homoallylic alcohols are produced in good yields and with good-to-excellent diastereoselectivity. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003).