2-propanol at 60 degrees C. Ring closures occurred diastereoselectively and afforded 2,3-trans- (96% de), 2,4-cis- (approximately 60% de), and 2,5-trans-substituted (>99% de) (phenyl)tetrahydrofur-2-ylmethanols as major components. Formation of bicyclic compounds and a 2,3,4,5-substituted oxolane was feasible as exemplified by syntheses of oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonylmethanols and a derivative of natural product