A highly enantioselective synthesis of beta-dimorphecolic acid 1 is reported. The synthesis features a diastereoselective reduction of the ketone 4, in which the tricarbonyliron lactone tether induces a 1,5 transfer of chirality, followed by a stereoselective decarboxylation to create all the stereochemical elements of 1. Selective oxidation of the primary alcohol in the diol 17 serves to introduce the acid functionality.