The J ring segment 2 of gambieric acid was synthesized stereoselectively by the coupling between the cyclic ether component 3 and the alkenyl iodide 4. The tetrahydropyran 3 was stereoselectively synthesized by the 6-endo-cyclization of a hydroxyepoxide prepared from deoxy-D-ribose. The side chain moiety 4 was prepared by the stereoselective hydrostannation of an internal alkyne. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.