Abstract A search for the large-scale preparation of (5S)-5, 6-(isopropylidenedioxy)-3- oxohexanoates (2)–a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmacologially important statins– starting from (S)-malic acid is described. The synthesis of the required initial compound methyl (3S)-3, 4-(isopropylidenedioxy) butanoate (1) by Moriwake's reduction of dimethyl (S)- malate (3) has been improved. Direct 2-C chain elongation of ester 1 using the lithium ...