A new synthetic route to C-2-symmetric chiral 1,4-diols based on the borane-mediated oxazaborolidine-catalysed reduction of 2-ene-1,4-diones (2), of 2-yne-1,4-diones (3), and/or of Co-complexed diketones 4 is described. Good to excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities have been obtained in the reduction of diketones 3 and 4, catalysed by ozazaborolidines 6 and 5, respectively. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Ltd.