The allenic ketone 8-methylnonane-1,6,7-trien-4-one and related allenes have been synthesized from simple commercially available materials. Since allenes analogous to 8-methylnonane-1,6,7-trien-4-one have previously been transformed to substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]octanones via corresponding bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanones, it is anticipated that the present allenic ketone may also undergo similar transformations. Substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]octanones are known synthetic precursors of tricyclic sesquiterpenes. Thus, 8-methylnonane-1,6,7-trien-4-one presents itself as a possible precursor for the synthesis of tricyclopentanoid ring system present in sesquiterpenes such as hirsutene and Δ9(12) -capnellene.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v26i1.11