The present invention provides a process for preparing optically active .alpha.-hydroxy acids and derivatives thereof by subjecting the alkylated 1,3-dioxolanones of formula (IV) wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are each independently H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; R.sub.5 is H, C.sub.1-16 alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; and R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-8 alkyl, C.sub.2-7 alkenyl or unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, to either alcoholysis or hydrolysis, in which the alkylated 1,3-dioxolanones are obtained by using 10-camphorsulfonamide as a chiral auxiliary. ##STR1##

A chiral ligand of the formula (II) or formula (II'), ##STR1## was synthesized. The chiral ligand (II) or formula (II') can chelate to metals to form a catalytic complex to catalyze the addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide to aldehydes to give optically active cyanohydrin, individually.

A method for the preparation of 3-amino-1,2-propandiol derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## by reacting a compound of the formula (II) ##STR2## with RNH.sub.2, wherein R and R.sub.1 have the same meaning as given in the description. The formula (I) derivatives are .beta.-blockers used for treating hypertension.