Methyl 3-alkyl-2,3-dihydro-3-furancarboxylates were prepared by the alkylation of methyl 2,3-dihydro-3-furancarboxylate using lithium diisopropylamide as the base, and alkyl halides, acetone or benzaldehyde as the alkylating agent. Likewise alkylation of methyl 2,5-dihydro-2-furancarboxylate gave the corresponding 2-alkylated products.