The aim of this research was to discover α2-receptor antagonist subtypes that are more selective than known compounds. We focused on rigid molecules possessing a benzo-fused bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane skeleton. The synthetic route used relied upon the intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of styrylketene precursors. The cycloaddition was remarkably efficient and delivered multigram quantities of the cycloadduct