Synthesis of an optically active azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton as a backbone of the tropane alkaloids has been achieved by employing intramolecular Mannich reaction. Utilizat ion of (R)-${alpha}$-methylbenzylamine as a chiral auxiliary provided an excellent cyclization of amino dioxolane precursor. However, this auxiliary did not afford high asymmertic induction for the preparation of the optically active cyclization precursor.