In the title mol-ecule, C(17)H(18)O(5), which was prepared by the reaction of (R)-1,5-dioxaspiro-[5.5]undecane-2,4-dione and 4-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde with ethanol, the 1,3-dioxane ring is in a distorted envelope conformation with the spiro C atom forming the flap. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.