2-(3-Butynyloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran is used as a reagent in the synthesis of Phomoidride D, a bridged, polycyclic, natural compound that has the ability to inhibit squalene synthase and can be used as an antihypercholesterolemic agent. 2-(3-Butynyloxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran is also used as a reagent to prepare Rugulactone, a natural compound that is isolated from Cryptocarya rugulosa.