A stereocontrolled synthesis of the hitherto unknown (+/-)-6,7-dideoxyforskolin has been accomplished, incorporating controlled C-ring annulation with simultaneous creation of the stereogenic center at C-13 via oxymercuration. An alternative attempt at C-ring elaboration via conjugate addition of a higher order vinyl cuprate reagent to dihydropyran-4-one resulted in the exclusive formation of its 13-epimer. These analogues displayed no ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase in rat cerebral cortical membranes.