3,3'-Substituted BINOL's have been identified as suitable chiral ligands for the zirconium-catalyzed aldol-Tishchenko reaction of aromatic ketone aldols with aliphatic aldehydes. 1,3-anti-Diol monoesters were obtained in excellent yields, complete anti-diastereo-control, and enantioselectivities of up to 60% ee. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.