Both the (R) and (S) enantiomers of the citric acid derivative 1 have been obtained in greater than or equal to 90% ee via resolution of the racemate by fractional crystallisation of the (S) and (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine salts respectively. The stereochemistry of (R)-1 has been assigned by its conversion to (R)-(-)-homocitric acid utilising an Arndt-Eistert homologation followed by acid catalysed deprotection. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.