The regioselectivities of the osmylation of geraniol, its derivatives and geranyl sulfonamides suggest the presence of a moderate attractive interaction between OsO4 and the allylic groups bearing acidic protons. This allylic directing effect may be due to the development of a hydrogen bonding interaction between OsO4 and the substrates during the osmylation process. The potential for a hydrogen bond can also have a substantial effect on the enantioselectivities of the osmium tetroxide catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation of allylic alcohols.