Synthesis and reduction of thieno[2′,3′(3′,2′ or 3′,4′):5,6]-azocino[2,1-a]isoindole-7, 13-diones

A synthesis of the thieno2′,3′(3′,2′ or 3′,4′):5,6]azocino2,1-a]isoindole-7,13-diones 6a-c was developed from N-thienylethylphthalimides 3a-c using a Wittig reaction followed by a Friedel-Crafts cyclization of acetic acid derivatives 5a-c . Reduction of ketones 6a-c into alcohols 7a-c was stereo specific.