A borinic acid derived catalyst enables regioselective and β-selective reactions of 2-deoxy- and 2,6-dideoxyglycosyl chloride donors with pyranoside-derived acceptors having unprotected cis-1,2- and 1,3-diol groups. The use of catalysis to promote a β-selective pathway by enhancement of acceptor nucleophilicity constitutes a distinct approach from previous work, which has been aimed at modulating donor reactivity by variation of protective and/or leaving groups.