A straightforward three step route to (1S,2R)- and (1R,2R)-[H-2]-glycerols 1a and 1b is reported. The key asymmetric step involves an AD-mix-beta dihydroxylation on deuterium labelled Z- and E-allyl benzoates 4a and 4b. The route should facilitate the use of [H-2]-glycerols 1a-1d in high enantiomeric purity (95%ee) in biosynthesis investigations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.