A synthesis of the D-norisomorphinan ring system is described. Conversion of the initial synthetic target, trans-1,3,4,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6-methoxy-9-oxo-4a(2H)-phenanthrenecarboxamide (10c) into the D-norisomorphinan (6b) proved possible only after removal of the carboxamide ambident functionality. The successful route proceeds via hypobromous acid addition to trans-1,3,4,10a-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-4a(2H)-phenanthrenemethanamine (21) followed by a facile intramolecular cyclization to the D-norisomorphinan (23).