Synthesis of erythro-(±)-[1SR, 9RS]-norbicuculline and threo-(±)-[1SR, 9SR]-noradlumidine from piperonal was performed using Bischler-Napieralski cyclization as a key step. Resolution gave rise to (+)-[1S, 9R]-norbicuculline ([1S, 9R] norBIC) and (−)-[1R, 9S]- norbicuculline ([1R, 9S] norBIC) in> 99.5% enantiomeric purity. Bicuculline enantiomers were readily obtained by methylation of the latter products.[1S, 9R] BIC was about 70 ...