4-Demethoxy-10-nordaunomycinone (4) is synthesized starting with 4,7-dimethoxy-1-indanone (8). Nucleophilic addition of ethynyl magnesium bromide to 8 followed by mercuric acetate oxidation and iron pentacarbonyl – tri-n-butyltin hydride reduction gave 4,7-dimethoxy-1-acetylindane (16). Condensation of 16 with phthalic anhydride followed by methylation with dimethylsulfate and oxidation gave 22, which was epimerized to 24 by 2,2-dimethoxypropane and trifluoroacetic acid. Demethylation of 24 with aluminum chloride gave the 4-demethoxy-10-nordaunomycinone (4).