Abstract The synthesis and structure of [7]-and [8] metacyclophanes 2, 4 are described. The reductive ring opening of the thiophene rings of [2] metacyclo [2](2, 4)-and-(2, 5) thiophenophanes 1 and 3 by Raney-Ni affords the corresponding [7]-and [8] metacyclophanes 2 and 4, respectively. Two types of motion have been observed for the methylene chain of [8] metacyclophane 4c, flipping and pseudorotation.