Anhydrides Arndt-Eistert homologation

Alder route, was converted into the urethan (25) by a series of unexceptional steps. Arndt-Eistert homologation of (25) provided the carboxylic acid (26) which, upon treatment with acetic anhydride, readily gave the lactam (27). Introduction of a one-carbon unit into the aromatic ring was achieved with chloromethyl methyl ether, and further reductive and hydrolytic modification afforded the amino-alcohol (28). Osmium tetroxide oxidation of (28) yielded the stereoisomeric triols (29) (20%) and (30) (22%) which were separated and oxidized to ( + )-clivonine (31) and (+ )-clividine (32), respectively. 

---