The use of a benzofuran to mask phenol and arylacetaldehyde moieties simultaneously in the synthesis of analogues of mycophenolic acid (MPA) was explored. Benzofuran 4 provided a stable and easily handled intermediate for the preparation of unnatural derivatives at the C-6 position of MPA. Preparation of the highly potent 6-ethyl MPA analogue 2 was accomplished via aldehyde 2c through this facile route with high-yielding steps and crystalline intermediates.