Ethyl 1,3-dithiane-2-carboxylate is an α-keto acid equivalent and bulky equivalent of acetate. It participates in syn-selective aldol reactions. It can be prepared from the reaction of ethyl diethoxyacetate and 1,3-propanedithiol in the presence of BF3/Et2O. Asymmetric oxidation of ethyl 1,3-dithiane-2-carboxylate by Modena protocol has been reported to afford trans bis-sulfoxide in 60% yield. Carbanion from ethyl 1,3-dithiane-2-carboxylate may be employed for the preparation of α-keto esters.