Methyl 4,4-Dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate is used as a reactant in the synthesis of pyrido[3',2':4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidines studied as potent phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, which can potentially be used for treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).