(R*)-Methyl 3-carb­oxy-2-hydroxy­propanoate

The crystal structure of the title compound, C₅H₈O₅, was determined at 173 K. The compound is a monomethyl ester of butane­dioic acid and was isolated from fresh cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon). The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds.