Highly diastereoselective preparation of anti-1,2-diols by catalytic addition of alkynylsilanes to alpha-silyloxyaldehydes.

The catalytic, diastereoselective coupling of alpha-silyloxy aldehydes and alkynylsilanes catalyzed by a nickel(0) N-heterocyclic carbene complex provides an effective entry to anti-1,2-diols. The scope of couplings and extent of diastereoselection are excellent across a range of substrates.