The synthesis of the four stereoisomers of 2-(trifluoromethyl) tetrahydronaphthalene-1,2-diols and/or their 2-O-allyl derivatives is reported. Nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of a tartaricacidderived keto amide, and a one-pot hydrolysis/oxidative cleavage/intramolecular Friedel-Crafts transformation are the main features of this synthesis.