Some optically active beta-hydroxymethyl-gamma-butyrolactone derivatives, useful building blocks for the synthesis of several natural products and biologically active compounds, were obtained in good yields and variable optical purity (2-100% e.e.) from the corresponding 4-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2(5H)-one by enantioselective hydrogenation with chiral ruthenium or rhodium BINAP complexes. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.