The optically pure cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives (-)-1 and (-)-2 were synthesized from (+)-(1S,4R)-cis-4-acetoxy-2-cyclopenten-1-ol [(+)-3] via sequential Mitsunobu reaction and palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution with phenol derivatives followed by SN2′ intramolecular cyclization.