The first total synthesis of louisianin A, 4-allyl-6,7-dihydro-1-hydroxycyclopenta[c]pyridin-5-one, is achieved from 2-chloro-4-cyanopyridine 5 via seven steps in an overall 24% yield. The key step is a cyclization?decarboxylation sequence toward the formation of a cyclopentenone ring.
