A new approach for asymmetric synthesis of alkannin and shikonin is presented. The chiral centers of the targets were introduced via an asymmetric C-arylation of protected chiral glyceraldehyde in high de. The two enantiomers were prepared with the D-isopropylidenegly- ceraldehyde as the starting material. A new approach for asymmetric synthesis of alkannin and shikonin is presented. The chiral centers of the targets were introduced via an asymmetric C-arylation of protected chiral glyceraldehyde in high de. The two enantiomers were prepared with the D-isopropylidenegly- ceraldehyde as the starting material.