A non-racemic equivalent of glycolic acid: Preparation of both enantiomers from D-mannitol

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.19960790619

A practical synthesis of both enantiomers of 2-(tert-butyl)-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-one starting from D-mannitol is reported. These compounds are chiral equivalents of glycolic acid (= hydroxyacetic acid) which are configurationally stable and can be alkylated via their enolates.