Synthesis of (3RS,3aSR,8aSR)-3-phenyloctahydrocyclohepta[b]pyrrol-4(1H)-one via the aza-Cope–Mannich rearrangement

A convenient and scalable method for the preparation of (3RS,3aSR,8aSR)-phenyloctahydrocyclohepta[b]pyrrol-4(1H)-one based on the aza-Cope–Mannich rearrangement is described. This approach allows us to synthesize the target compound in nine steps in a high overall yield (42%) with complete stereocontrol and up to 100 g scale.