New synthesis of SKF 89976A

Substituted 4,4-diaryl-3-butenyl-1-amines are synthesized in nearly 34-47% overall yields starting from 3-hydroxypiperidine by the regioselective Baeyer-Villiger lactonization, Grignard addition and elimination sequence. This facile strategy was also used to synthesize racemic SKF 89976A.