A one pot synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-6,9-diones is described vi
a the addition of acryloyl chloride to enamines of N-carboxy-4piperidones.
Yields of bicycle were highest when additions were made to vigorously boili
ng solutions of morpholine enamines. X-Ray analysis of an azabicyclic syste
m revealed a chair-chair structure to be the preferred conformation. Hydrol
ysis of 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-6,9-diones (IIa) and (IIb) yielded the mo
nocyclic carboxylic acids (IIIa) and (IIIb).