Bicyclic pyrazolidinone derivatives from diastereoselective catalytic [3 + 3]-cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazoacetates with azomethine imines.

A highly regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of bicyclic pyrazolidinone derivatives by rhodium(II) acetate catalyzed [3 + 3]-annulation with enoldiazoacetates and azomethine imines has been achieved in high yield. A vinylogous reaction of the metal enol carbene with the azomethine imine initiates [3 + 3]-cycloaddition, whereas reaction at the carbene center effects N-N-cleavage of the azomethine imine.