Methanol → 1-Azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-4-one

An ice-cooled solution (5° C.) of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane/hexane (2 N, 30 mL, 60 mmol; Aldrich) under nitrogen was treated dropwise with a solution of quinuclidin-3-one (7500 mg, 60 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (40 mL). Methanol (20 mL) was added, and the yellow solution was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 24 hours, and quenched to colorless by addition of acetic acid. After a few minutes, saturated aqueous sodium carbonate (15 mL) was added. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous solution was extracted with methylene chloride (3×50 mL). The combined organic layer and extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to give the titled compound. The material was used directly for next step without further purification.