A series of beta-hydroxy sulfones were synthesized with high enantioselectivities via a new enantioselective ruthenium-catalyzed hydrogenation using MeO-BIPHEP as a ligand. Some beta-hydroxy sulfones were used in the synthesis of optically active butenolides and gamma-butyrolactones with high yields and enantioselectivities over 95%. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.