A simple synthesis of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is described. The key steps are an asymmetric Michael addition to establish the desired (R)-configurations at C8 and C12 of the 2- (trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl- (SEM) protected PGE1 and its one-pot deprotection with magnesium bromide in high yield. This method is potentially useful for the preparation of other modified prostaglandins.