Reaction of (R)-phenylglycinol with racemic methyl 4-formylhexanoate takes place with a remarkable stereoselectivity to give two diastereomeric 6-ethyloxazolopiperidones (9:1 ratio) in 76% overall yield. After LiAlH4 reduction and catalytic hydrogenation, the major isomer was converted to (S)-3-ethylpiperidine. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.