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 thieno[2′,3′(3′,2′ or 3′,4′):5,6]azocino[2,1‐ 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.