A general approach is outlined here for the synthesis of hydroxyethylene dipeptide isostere (1) starting from D-glucose which can be employed to introduce any group at P-1 or P-1, positions of such isosteres. A highly stereoselective synthesis of (2R,4S,5S)-N-Boc-O-benzyl-5-amino-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-6-phenylhexanoic acid methyl ester (2) is accomplished based on this strategy.