Scheme 2. Synthesis of benzylamine 8a. Reagents and reaction conditions: (a) three steps (metalation/carboxylation, reduction, bromination) according to ref. 42. (b) K₂CO₃, THF, 76 °C, 46 h, 40%. (c) 7 M HCl, MeOH, 96 °C, 6 h, 37%. (d): Benzylamine, NaBH(OAc)₃, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 48 h, 57%.