Synthesis of (±)-Aphanorphine Using Rh-Catalyzed Cyclohydrocarbonylation.

A facile formal synthesis to aphanorphine and its analogue is described, featuring Rh-catalyzed cyclohydrocarbonylation of 2-aminodihydronaphthalene to the bridged benzazepine core. Subsequent introduction of the methyl group and functional group transformation complete the synthesis of aphanorphine and its analogue over eight steps.