A novelapproach for the syntheses of lophocladines A and B has been developed. These compounds were prepared in 4–6 steps with moderate to excellent overall yields. The key step involved the nucleophilic substitution of 4-chloronicotinic acid with the carbanion generated from phenylacetonitrile. Subsequent reduction of the cyano group, lactamization and oxidation furnished lophocladine A in 50% yield