A new synthetic route to C2-symmetric chiral 1, 4-diols based on the borane-mediated oxazaborolidine-catalysed reduction of 2-ene-1, 4-diones (2), of 2-yne-1, 4-diones (3), and/or of Co-complexed diketones 4 is described. Good to excellent enantio-and diastereoselectivities have been obtained in the reduction of diketones 3 and 4, catalysed by oxazaborolidines 6 and 5, respectively.