(R)-all-trans-3-hydroxyretinal 1, (S)-all-trans-4-hydroxyretinal 3 and (R)-all-trans-4-hydroxyretinal 5 have been synthesized stereoselectively by Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons and Stille cross-coupling as bond-forming reactions. The CBS method of ketone reduction was used in the enantioface-differentiation step to provide the precursors for the synthesis of the 4-hydroxyretinal enantiomers. The kinetic constants of Xenopus laevis ADH8 with these retinoids have been determined.