General synthetic approach. Reagents, conditions, and yields: (a) Pyridine, CH2Cl2, rt, 4–8 h, 90–96% (b) RN = CH3, CH3I, KOH, CH3CN, rt, 24 h, 63–98%; RN = Ac, acetic anhydride, pyridine, CH2Cl2, reflux, 8–12 h, 61–83%; RN ≠ CH3 and Ac, RN-halogen, K2CO3, dry DMF, rt, 24–48 h, 40–99% (c) tert-Butyl nitrite, CH3CN, 45 °C, 24 h, 60% (d) H2, Pd/C, EtOAc, rt, 48–72 h, 82–98% (e) Formic acid, CH2Cl2, rt, 24–48 h, 62–82% (f) Trichloroacetic acid, NaBH4, dry THF, 0°C, 24 h, 97% (g) Paraformaldehyde, NaBH3CN, AcOH, MeOH, rt, 72–96 h, 95% (h) Ethyl 2-bromoacetate, NaI, acetone/THF 1:1, reflux, 48 h, 19% (i) NBS, CH2Cl2, rt, 6 h, 43%.