A three step efficient strategy for the synthesis of substituted5-nitropiperidones in high de, employing Michael additionof N-p-tolylsulfinyl -nitroamines to ,-unsaturated esters,hydrolysis of the sulfinyl group, and cyclization of theresulting free amines, has been developed. A very simpleexperimental procedure involving mild conditions and onlyone chromatographic purification are the main features ofthe process.