[摘要]:The [2+2+2] cycloaddn. of maleimide with a,w-diynes in the presence of [IrCl(cod)]2 or [RhCl(cod)]2 and DPPE gives cyclohexadiene derivs. which are readily aromatized with DDQ or MnO2. This 2-step procedure gives access to highly substituted phthalimides in good yields.