Two naturally occurring rare 5-oxo beta-triketones, AB5046A and AB5046B, were efficiently synthesized in five linear steps with overall yields of 36% and 28%, respectively. The synthetic strategy highlighted the readily preparation of the key intermediate, 3-ethoxy-5-hydroxycyclohex-2-enone, from commercially available phloroglucinol. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.