The scope and limitations of a regioselective synthesis of either alpha- or beta-substituted gamma-hydroxybutenolides from 3-furfural and enones are described. The sequence features a Baylis-Hillman reaction followed by singlet oxygen oxidation with use of either an amine base or TBAF as the regioselectivity switches. Structural studies in solution on some of the resulting gamma-hydroxybutenolides are also reported.