Short synthesis of a new cyclopentene-1,3-dione derivative isolated from Piper carniconnectivum

"The total synthesis of cyclopentene-1,3-dione (1), a new natural cyclopentenedione derivativeisolated from the roots of Piper carniconnectivum, is described in 8 steps and 11% overall yield from2-acetylfuran, giving a 57:43 mixture of the two possible geometric isomers 1a and1b."