Tetracyclic keto lactam 2a has been synthesized by acyladon of a mixture of esters 5, followed by saponification and further cyclization. Due to the presence of an exocyclic amide carbonyl group, epimerization at C-3 occurs to give the most stable cis relative configuration. Trans acetylpiperidine 4b has been prepared in five steps from pyridinium salt 9. Attempted direct cyclization of 4b to epingouniensine