A novel and efficient approach has been developed for the total synthesis of (+)-8-ethylnorlobelol (1) in a highly stereoselective manner. The key anti-1,3-aminoalcohol core is constructed through the reductive opening of 2-iodomethyl-4-amidotetrahydropyranyl ether which is prepared by a Prins/Ritter amidation sequence. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.