Keto furanylidene building blocks are synthesized from the unique silyl ethers of monoalkynylated β-keto carbonyls. The procedure consists of a desilylation, cyclization, and alkyne hydration facilitated by either a one-pot reaction with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate-iodine or a two-step procedure with tosylic acid and gold(I) chloride. Notably, the hydration of the terminal alkyne with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate-iodine reagent is a safer and new alternative to the use of mercury(II) salts.