A novel six-step synthesis of rac-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1-(tetrahydro-2′-oxo-fur-3′-yl)-1H- pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (rac-1) starting from 2-methylfuran has been developed. The key step is the formation of rac-2-methyl-1-(tetrahydro-2′-oxofur-3′-yl)-1H-pyrrole (rac-7) according to the Clauson-Kaas procedure. Subsequent Vilsmeier formylation, oxidation with lead tetraacetate, and enzymatic hydrolysis led to rac-1.