A number of compounds of the type represented by compound A were prepared for evaluation as potential

Question:

A number of compounds of the type represented by compound A were prepared for evaluation as potential analgesic drugs. Their preparation is described in a retrosynthetic format as shown.

On the basis of this retrosynthetic analysis, design a synthesis of N-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine (compound A, where RÊ¹ = CH3, RÊ¹ = C6H5). Present your answer as a series of equations, showing all necessary reagents and isolated intermediates.