The synthesis of three dienes 4a, 4b, and 4c, suitably constituted for intramolecular Diels-Alder cyclization to tricyclic compounds 6a, 6b, and 6c, is described. The newly formed rings are mainly cis fused. The method results in the addition of two fused six-membered rings to o-vinylbenzaldehyde derivatives in a two-step bis annelation sequence. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.