A new optically active delta-aminoalcohol has been synthesized diastereoselectively in one step from (-)-menthone and N,N-dimethylaminopropyl lithium. The aminoalcohol catalyzed the addition of diethylzinc and dimethylzinc to aldehydes in high yields and enantioselectivities of up to 89%. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.