An improved synthesis of 6, 7endo-dimethyl-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-6-azabicyclo [3, 2, 1]- octane (10c), a new analgetic agent with a low addiction liability, is described. Grignard reaction of 3-ethoxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one (1) with m-methoxyphenylmagnesium bromide gave the α, β-unsaturated ketone (2b). Hydrocyanation of the latter followed by methanolysis yielded the keto ester (5b). The bicyclic lactam (8b), a key intermediate in the original ...
