Synthesis of S -2-methyl-2,3-butanediol

5-Trimethyl-l,3-dioxolane-2-one (0.17 g), potassium carbonate (0.27 g) and methanol (10 mL) were placed in 50 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar and a reflux condenser. The mixture was then stirred at 60 °C for 2.5 hours. 

The solvent was removed by using a rotary evaporator. The solution was dissolved in a saturated solution of NH4C1 and extracted with diethyl ether. After the solution was dried with magnesium sulfate, the diethyl ether was removed by using a rotary evaporator. 

It is noteworthy that this diol has been used as ligand in the molybdenum-mediated kinetic resolution of oxirancs1 T 

3 PREPARATION OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE N-ACYLOX AZOLIDIN ONES 

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