[1][2] The compound is an organic peroxide, specifically an endoperoxide, and a structural isomer of the much more common 1,3-dioxolane, which is often called simply "dioxolane".

Synthesis methods for the 1,2-dioxolane core structure include oxidation of cyclopropane derivatives with singlet oxygen[3] or molecular oxygen with a suitable catalyst,[4][5] the use of autooxidation, nucleophilic displacement with hydrogen peroxide, treatment with mercury(II) nitrate, photolysis of extended π-systems,[6] reaction of a bis-silylperoxide and an alkene,[7] or reaction with a 2-perhydroxy 4-alkene with diethylamine[8] or mercury(II) acetate.

[9][10] Some derivatives occur naturally, for example in Calophyllum dispar and from the seeds of the mamey (Mammea americana).

[11][12] Nardosinone is a sesquiterpene derivative with a 1,2-dioxolane element isolated from the plant Adenosma caeruleum.

[6][7] Plakinic acid A and related compounds showed antifungal action.