An optically active hydroxyiodolactone of the formula ##STR1## wherein the stereochemistry of the 3a-, 5- and 7a-positions is either (3aR,5S,7aS) or 3aS,5S,7aR). The compound is useful as an intermediate for the production of a large amount of one component of the queen recognizing pheromone of red imported fire ant with a high optical purity.