Three new methods are presented in this synthesis of an 11-oxabicyclo[6.2.1]-undec-1,5,9-triene. They include: (1) the preparation of the dianion of 3-hydroxy-1,4-pentadiene; (2) an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction accelerated by silica gel saturated with water; and (3) a tandem Grob fragmentation and homoallylic elimination of a cyclic sulfate. Overall, the synthesis of (1E, 5E, 9Z)-2-(t-Butyldimetbylsiloxy)-8-methyl-11-oxabicyclo[6.2.1]-undec-1,5,9-triene (1) was completed in 9 steps starting from 5-methylfurfural.