Methods of preparing compounds of formula (I): ##STR00001## wherein Y, Y.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are defined herein; methods of making D-(threo)-1-aryl-2-acylamido-1-propanol compounds, D-(threo)-1-aryl-2-acylamido-3-fluoro-1-propanol compounds, and D-(threo)-1-aryl-2-acylamido-3-hydroxy-1-propanol compounds (collectively, "fenicol compounds") from the compound of formula (I); and new fenicol compounds, which can be made using the method.