An improved process for synthesizing opiate or opioid analgesics and anesthetics, and intermediates thereof is provided. In particular, processes of synthesizing intermediates for use in the preparation of synthetic opiate or opioid compounds such as, for example, remifentanil, carfentanil, sufentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil are disclosed. The preparation process requires fewer steps, and results in reduced costs and higher efficiency than processes known in the art for producing remifentanil and carfentanil.