A new reaction of erythronolides, an intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder, has been discovered. Heated aqueous alcoholic solutions of ABT-773 (1) and its cis isomer (3) convert slowly to cycloadducts 2 and 4, respectively. Optimal reaction conditions, mechanistic studies supported by molecular modeling, and biological activity data are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structures for both adducts 2 and 4 have been obtained.