The synthesis of 3 originated with isophthalic acid (4)(Scheme I) which was converted into the corresponding dimethyl ester, 5, 8 in 87% yield with methanol and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Catalytic reduction of 5 over 5% rhodium on alumina with hydrogen at 50 psi in a Parr hydrogenator gave 85% of 6.9 Treatment of 6 with 1 equiv of lithium diisopropylamide followed by 1 equiv of methylene iodide at-78 OC, stirring for 1 h, and warming to 25" C ...