α‐Haloketal (1′R,4S,5S)‐dimethyl 2‐(1′‐bromoethyl)‐2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dicarboxylate

The crystal structure and absolute configuration of the title compound, C₁₇H₂₁BrO₈, have been determined by X‐ray analysis. They confirmed the 1′R absolute configuration at the 1′‐bromoethyl moiety which has been assigned previously on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data. Cohesion of the crystal can be attributed to weak intermolecular C—H?O and van der Waals interactions.