The 2- and 5-nitrate esters of 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-glucitol are prepared by nitrating 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-glucitol. The mononitrates so produced are separated and converted by standard procedures to derivatives in which an alkyl, benzoyl, cycloalkyl, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, or benzoyl radical is substituted on the hydroxyl group. The derivatives possess cardiovascular activity.