1,6-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridinones as synthetic intermediates. A novel total synthesis of (±)-ibogamine and (±)-epiibogamine

A new synthesis of (±)-ibogamine ($\text{4}$) and (±)-epiibogamine ($\text{5}$), involving the intramolecular Michael addition of the keto unsaturated ester ($\text{11}$), is described.