
A process for preparing a compound of Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R' is optionally protected --CH.sub.2 OH or --COOH; R.sup.2 is phenyl or substituted phenyl; and Y is oxygen, methylene, or substituted methylene, which comprises treating a norbornyl acid amide of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R is optionally protected --CH.sub.2 OH or --COOR.sup.1 ; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or ester-forming group; and Y is oxygen, methylene, or substituted methylene under the reaction conditions for the Hofmann Re...











