An intramolecular Dieckmann cyclization on methyl 4-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate [1401222-79-4] (3) with sodium hydride base gives reaction Methyl 3-oxobicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-carboxylate [30144-30-0] (4). Treatment with sodium nitrite introduces an isonitroso group adjacent to the ketone, giving 3-Hydroxyiminobicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one, CID:131066320 (5). Addition of the aryl Grignard reagent, and reduction of the oxime gives CID:154108204 (6). A reductive amination of the primary amino group with acetone then completed the synthesis of cilobamine (7).
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^Wager S, Quitkin F, Stewart J, McGrath P, Harrison W, Markowitz J, Tricamo E (1988). "Cilobamine in the treatment of atypical depression". Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 3 (3): 201–205. doi:10.1002/hup.470030308. S2CID145253439.