(+)-Swainsonine 2 and (-)-8,8a-di-epi-swainsonine 3 were stereoselecti
vely synthesized from L-glutamic acid via a highly diastereoselective
intramolecular conjugate addition of amide 20 and carbamate 8, respect
ively. Another key step is a stereoselective osmium-catalyzed dihydrox
ylation of indolizidine double bond.