A simple and highly efficient stereoselective synthetic route has been developed for the synthesis of (R)-rugulactone, a 6-arylalkyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one, from readily available substrates such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-phenyl-1-propanal employing Keck's asymmetric allylation and cross metathesis as key steps. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.