The catalytic osmylation of electron-poor allylic ethers and alcohols was studied. In the case of γ-alkoxy E-enoates reaction selectivity was found to range from 2:1 to 8:1 in favor of the arabino (2,3-syn - 3,4-anti) product, regardless of the double bond substitution. Lower (if any) selectivity was found for the Z-isomers. On the contrary, 2-Mthylene-3-hydroxy esters were osmylated with virtually