Download full text in PDF Opens in a new window. Article suggestions will be shown in a dialog on return to ScienceDirect. ... Please enable JavaScript to use all the features on this page. ... The stereospecific synthesis (optical yield up to 94%) of optically active (R)-alkyl-2-chloropropionate and (S)-alkyl-3-chlorobutanoate by the action of AlCl 3 on the corresponding (S)-2-mesyloxy - and (R)-3-mesyloxy-derivatives is described. ... Loss of optical activity up to 60% has ...