Straightforward synthesis of (R,R/S,S)-2-[2-(2-aryl)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-morpholines: a new class of inhibitors of the norepinephrine transporter

Diastereoselective synthesis of (R,R/S,S)-2-[2-(2-aryl)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-morpholines 6 has been achieved through the preparation of key E-enol-triflate 4 and its further coupling with benzylzinc reagents and final hydrogenation.