The asymmetric synthesis of the potent squalene synthase inhibitor (+)-zaragozic acid C is described. The synthesis allows for the preparation of multigram quantities of the dioxabicyclooctane core common to all members of this class of fungal metabolites. Supporting studies include (1) the use of [Cr(OAc)(2) . H2O](2) for the stereoselective reduction of ynones to trans enones, (2) an investigation of the diastereoselective dihydroxylation of gamma-alkoxy-alpha,beta-trans trans enones, and (3) nucleophilic addition of Me(3)SiC equivalent to CLi to a dioxabicyclooctanone, wherein the product diastereoselectivity is observed to vary as a function of cosolvents (tertiary amines) and additives (LiBr). In addition, an acylation protocol is reported which permits the regioselective installation of the C(6) O-acyl side chain.