Synthesis of bis‐2,7‐substituted 1,2,3,6,7,8‐hexahydroisoindolo[5,6‐f]isoindole‐1,3,6,8‐tetraones

Abstract A series of bis‐2,7‐substituted 1,2,3,6,7,8‐hexahydroisoindolo[5,6‐ f ]isoindole‐1,3,6,8‐tetraones (naphthalene diimides) has been synthesized. The key intermediate required for synthesis of the naphthalene diimides, 2,3,6,7‐naphthalnetetracarboxylic dianhydride ( 2 ) was prepared starting from allene and maleic anhydride. The bis‐anhydride 2 was converted to the naphthalene diimides using conventional methodology by the reaction with amines in organic solvents.