The total synthesis of cyclopentene-1,3-dione (1), a new natural cyclopentenedione derivative isolated from the roots of Piper carniconnectivum, is described in 8 steps and 11% overall yield from 2-acetylfuran, giving a 57:43 mixture of the two possible geometric isomers 1a and1b.
aldol reaction; allylic alcohol oxidation; cyclopentenedione derivative; Piper carniconnectivum