Abstract 20-Iodoeicosanoic acid (X) was prepared in 9 steps, its carbon chain being constructed from thiophene and ethyl ester chlorides of dodecanedioic and butanedioic acids. Isotope exchange afforded 20-[125 I]-iodoeicosanoic acid required for scintigraphic studies of the myocardium. Desulfuration of the thiophene precursor VIII was accompanied by formation of side products XI-XIX arising by cleavage of the thiophene CC bonds. ...