incorporation was achieved by aminolysis. Conversion of the D-ring pyridone to the corresponding pyridine was efficiently accomplished by palladium-catalyzed reduction of aryl triflate 21. This is not only the first total synthesis of (±)-8-oxoerymelanthine 2 (where the D-ring is pyridine) but also, more importantly, a biomimetic total synthesis of an erythrinan D-aza alkaloid.