To obtain a new catalyst composition for an asymmetric synthesis for the production of an asymmetric nitroalcohol by adding a specific compound to a system consisting of an optically active 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol, a rare-earth metal compound and an alkali metal compound.

This catalytic composition for an asymmetric synthesis is obtained by further adding an alkali metal compound to a system consisting of an optically active 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol of formula I (R1 is substituted at any position of 3 to 7 positions; R2 is substituted at any positions of 3' to 7' positions; R1, R2 are each H, an alkyl, phenyl, an alkenyl, a trialkylsilylethinyl, cyano or a halogen) or formula II, a rare-earth metal compound and an alkali metal compound. As the alkali metal compound to be added, methyllithium, t-butyllithium, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc., are preferable, and adding amount thereof is preferably ≥0.01mol equivalent, especially in the range of 0.1-10mol equivalent. By using this new catalyst composition, an asymmetric nitroalcohol is obtained in a short period of time and in a high yield by performing a nitroaldol reaction of an aldehyde with a nitroalkane.