New rhodium(II) catalyzed synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds from α-diazo ketones using vinyl ethers as two-carbon synthons

Rhodium(II) acetate catalyzed reactions of various α-diazo ketones, and vinyl ethers afforded γ-ketoaldehydes or 1,4-diketones in a facile manner. In this process, oxycyclopropanes are formed as intermediates, and are subsequently ring opened in the presence of the rhodium(II) acetate catalyst to furnish the corresponding 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds. The scope of this protocol has been demonstrated with the synthesis of a serotonin antagonist.