Disclosed are syntheses of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and corresponding intermediates that are promising for the treatment of a variety of disease states including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertension-related cardiovascular disorders, hyperlipidemia, deleterious gluco-corticoid effects on neuronal function (e.g. cognitive impairment, dementia, and/or depression), elevated intra-ocular pressure, various forms of bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis), tuberculosis, leprosy (Hansen's disease), psoriasis, and impaired wound healing (e.g., in patients that exhibit impaired glucose tolerance and/or type 2 diabetes).