The synthesis of the previously reported thianinhydrin (12) was achieved from 3- methylthiophene via the corresponding 5, 6-dihydrocyclopenta [b] thiophen-4, 6-dione (10). Conversion of 10 to the tricarbonyl (12) proceeded in good yield using dimethydioxirane oxidation of 5, 6-dihydro-5-dimethyl aminomethylenecyclopenta [b] thiophen-4, 6-dione (14). The fluorescence intensity of the zinc salt of the product of 12 and glycine was similar to ...