Under the catalysis of DMAP or PPY in CH(2)Cl(2), the Michael-type addition of nucleophiles to 2-nitrogalactal or 2-nitroglucal leads in excellent yields and stereoselectivity to the corresponding beta-galacto- or -glucopyranosides, which are ready precursors to the biologically significant beta-d-galactosamine and -glucosamine units.