The synthesis of the core of the myxobacteria metabolite apicularen A by a novel transannular 1, 4-addition is described. The key step involved acid mediated transannular conjugate addition of the C13 hydroxyl into the α, β-unsaturated ketone in macrolactone 18 to provide the trans-pyranone 19 and the cis-isomer 20 in a ratio of 9: 1, respectively.