The enantioselective total synthesis of the antiinfective sesquiterpene (1S,4S)-7,8-dihydroxycalamenene (4) is accomplished by a strategy which centrally utilizes the reactivity of arene-Cr(CO)3 complexes. In a sequence involving two successive benzylic deprotonation/alkylation steps, the chiral complex 8 (> 99 % e.e.) is converted completely regio- and diastereoselectively to 7 and further by decomplexation and ether cleavage to the target compound 4 in high overall yield and without loss of enantiomeric purity.