The reaction of diisopropyl formamide with lithium diisopropylamide produces, by abstraction of the formyl proton, the carbonyl anion, LiCON[CH(CH3)2]2. Reactions of this anion with benzaldehyde, benzophenone, ethyl benzoate, acetone, and propionaldehyde occur in yields ranging from 30–92%. Thus, this anion provides a useful method for the synthesis of α-hydroxy and α-keto acids, particularly in cases where cyanohydrin formation is difficult.