reflux, 3 h) gave a 1: l ratio of isomeric acylenamines 6a and 6b which were separated by preparative HPLC (50% EtOAc/hexane) in 70% overall yield. Cyclization of acylenamine 6a (CF3S03H, CH2C1,, 25 OC, 24 h) and re-esterification of the acidic product (Ph2CN2, CH2C1,) gave the desired optically pure benzhydryl ester 7 (mp 156-157 OC,[aIDZo=-88.1, 1.1, CHC1,) in 77% yield. The relative stereochemistry and conformation of 7 have been ...