A stereoselective synthesis of the methyl ethers of robustadials A and B (24) is described. The crucial step is the amine-catalyzed cyclization of the enone 8b which leads to the products 9b and 10b with high diastereoselectivity. The choice of the amine catalyst has a strong influence on the selectivity (i.e. on the ratio of trans and cis products 9b:10b); the amine must have an optimum pK(b) value. The aromatic synthon and the terpene synthon of robustadials are joined via a Prins reaction of a substituted benzaldehyde (3b) with beta-pinene (4). The reaction is strongly dependent on electronic effects, and the choice of substituents on the aromatic ring is critical. The use of (1S)-(-)-beta-pinene ensures the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds.