Chaetomellic anhydride A, a potent inhibitor of Ras proteinfarnesyltransferase, was synthesized in 61% yield over four steps from methyl propionate. The synthesis features palladium-catalyzed carboxylation reaction under Cacchi conditions, efficiently incorporating carbon monoxide generated in situ from acetic formic anhydride into β-carbomethoxyalkenyl triflate, and giving rise to the maleic anhydride