The title compound C7H11NO3 was prepared by intramolecular nucleophilic displacement of 2,3-O-iso-propylidene-d-erythronolactol. There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit, which are related by a pseudo-inversion centre. The crystal structure determination confirms unequivocally the configuration of the chiral centres as 3S,4R. In the crystal structure, intermolecular C—H⋯O interactions link the molecules (into infinite zigzag chains along the a axis.