Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of diastereomerically pure (3R,3aS,6aR) hexahydro-furo[2,3-b]furan-3-ol as well as a novel intermediate, (3aR,4S,6aS) 4-methoxy-tetrahydro-furo[3,4-b]furan-2-one for use in said methods. More in particular the invention relates to a stereoselective method for the preparation of diastereomerically pure (3R,3aS,6aR) hexahydro-furo[2,3-b]furan-3-ol, as well as methods for the crystallization of (3aR,4S,6aS) 4-methoxy-tetrahydro-furo[3,4-b]furan-2-one and for the epimerization of (3aR,4R,6aS) 4-methoxy-tetrahydro-furo[3,4-b]-furan-2-one to (3aR,4S,6aS) 4-methoxy-tetrahydro-furo[3,4-b]furan-2-one.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of (S)-glyceraldehyde acetonide in aqueous solution from 3,4-O-isopropylidene-L-threonic acid or a salt thereof in aqueous solution, and hypochlorite in aqueous solution wherein the aqueous hypochlorite solution has a pH>7.5 and wherein during addition of at least 0.1 molar equivalents of hypochlorite based on the amount of 3,4-O-isopropylidene-L-threonic acid, an acid solution is not simultaneously added. The invention also relates to a process according to the invention, wherein 3,4-O-isopropylidene-L-threonic acid or a salt thereof is prepared from 5,6-O-isopropylidene-L-ascorbic acid or a salt thereof in the presence of H2O2 and a base in a manner known per se, wherein excess H2O2 is optionally removed by catalase.

Abstract: Process for crystallizing 2-acetylthio-3-phenylpropionic acid from a solution of acetylthiophenylpropionic acid, wherein, at a temperature lower than 50° C., an antisolvent is added to form a mixture of antisolvent and acetylthiophenylpropionic acid solution; wherein seed crystals are added to the mixture before crystallisation occurs; and wherein the antisolvent is dosed over time during the occurrence of crystallisation.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of (R)-2-bromo-3-phenylpropionic acid starting from D-phenylalanine, sodium nitrite and HBr in an aqueous solution, the reaction being carried out in the presence of a bromide salt, at a temperature between −10 and 30° C.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of (S)-2-acetylthio-3-phenylpropionic acid, wherein (R)-2-bromo-3-phenylpropionic acid is contacted with thioacetic acid and an organic base, for example triethylamine. Preferably the base is metered to a mixture of (R)-2-bromo-3-phenylproprionic acid and thioacetic acid at a temperature between −10° C. and +30° C.