A method for acid-catalyzed acylation of an isohexide is described. The method involves a reaction of an isohexide and an excess of carboxylic acid in the presence of a Lewis acid or a Brnsted acid catalyst. One or more Lewis acid or Brnsted acid can facilitate conversion of isohexides to their corresponding mono and diesters with a pronounced greater regio-selectivity of exo-OH over endo-OH of the isohexide in the product. Particular catalytic acid species include zirconium chloride (ZrCl4) and phosphonic acid (H3PO3), which manifest a ratio of exo:endo regioselectivity of about 5.0≠3:1 and about 4.00.3:1, respectively.