as central intermediate. Stereoselectivereduction of the ketone 13 with LiBH4 led to the alcohol 14, which was benzylated and reduced to provide the final bicyclic products 16 and 17. Whereas the alcohol 16 shows only moderate affinity to both σ receptor subtypes, the benzyl ether 17 represents a potent and selective σ1 receptor ligand (Ki = 47 nM). Comparison of the σ receptor affinities of 16 and