A method for the production of optically active α-alkylcarbonyl compounds with retention of the stereo information of the starting compound. The starting compound used here is a carbonyl compound which has, in the α-position, a leaving group which is substituted by an alkyl group with inversion of the configuration. The substitution of the leaving group is effected with the use of an alkylmagnesium Grignard and a zinc (II) salt or a zinc organyl. The method permits the production of optically active α-alkylcarbonyl compounds at very mild temperatures (for example 0° C.) with the use of starting compounds which are easy to prepare and economical and nontoxic catalysts, it also being possible to achieve a very high yield.