(+)- or (-)-p-Menthane-3-carboxaldehyde is made in two easy steps from (+)- or (-)-menthone, respectively. This auxiliary allows for the synthesis of carbonyl compounds bearing a a-chiral quaternary carbon. The flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use of the method are demonstrated in a series of examples, which include the total synthesis of (+)-cuparenone as well as a partial synthesis of (-)-cassiol.