methylphenylacetamide (2) as a crystalline solid, mp 78-79" C (EtOAc). Reduction of amide 2 with diborane in THF yielded amino alcohol 3, in 93% yield as a colorless oil. Treatment of 3 in chloroform with phosphorous pentachloride in chloroform yielded 4, mp 115-117" C (EtOHEt20). This was cyclized at 175" C for 4 h in a melt of aluminum chloride and ammonium chloride to give 80%