The title reaction is shown to afford the corresponding 1,2-diol monomethyl ethers in moderate-to-high levels of % ee (up to 98%) and % de (up to 90% anti), depending markedly on the aldehyde reactivity. The origin of the enantioselectivity is discussed in terms of a dynamic thermodynamic resolution mechanism. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.