Stereocontrolled NaBH4/H⊕-reduction of 3, 4-cis-disubstituted N-alkenyl imides 1–5 leads to secondary hydroxylactams. Tertiary hydroxylactams are formed via addition of MeMgCl to imides 2 and 4. HCOOH-Cyclisation of the hydroxylactams affords polycyclic piperidines through stereoselective α-acyliminium ring closure. Concomitant synchronous and stepwise cyclisation pathways are operative in the anti-periplanar addition of tertiary α-acyliminium ...