Bicyclic Lactam 2 was transformed into alpha-cyanoenamine 8 in a four-step, high-yielding process. gamma-Metalation of 8 was achieved using LiTMP in THF/HMPA, and the resultant homoenolate equivalent underwent stereoselective alkylation and subsequent hydrolysis to provide lactams of type 10 as a single diastereomer. Partial reduction and hydrolysis of lactams 10 furnished enantiopure 5-substituted cyclohexenones 13 in good overall yield. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.