Highly selective divergent cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds and α-diazocarboximides catalyzed by copper(I) or dirhodium(II) have been developed. With tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate as the catalyst epoxypyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine derivatives were prepared in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities through the first reported [3+3]-cycloaddition of a carbonyl ylide. Use of Rh2 (pfb)4 or Rh2 (esp)2 directs the reactants to regioselective [3+2]-cycloaddition generating cyclopenta[2,3]pyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazoles with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.
Keywords: copper; cycloaddition; diazo compounds; rhodium; ylides.
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