Abstract The regioselectivity of Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of α, β, γ, δ- unsaturated carboxylic esters was studied as a function of α-, β-, and δ-substituents and for fluorine-free versus fluorinated esters. The latter showed increased or complete γ, δ- selectivities: the hexafluoroisopropyl ester being superior to the trifluoroethyl ester. Olefinations of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes with phosphorus ylide 36 or phosphonate ...