An efficient stereocontrolled route to the 1-azaspiro[5.5]undecan framework of the histrionicotoxin alkaloids, employing anodic cyanation and Thorpe-Ziegler cyclization as key steps, is described. In the process of gaining information concerning the hydrolysis of the cyanoenamine function in 8, an unexpected intramolecular Friedel-Crafts type reaction provided the aza-fluorene 10.