A novel route for the synthesis of docetaxel (2) using esterification of (2R,3R)glycidic acid with 7, 10-bis-O-(2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl)-10-deacetylbaccatin III is described. Subsequent stereo- and regio-selective conversion afforded 2 and related novel compounds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.