An Approach to the Welwistatin Core via a Diazoketone Rearrangement-Ring Expansion Strategy.

The rhodium-catalyzed decomposition of fused bicyclic α-diazo-β-hydroxyketone 16 and rearrangement to 17 is featured in an approach to the bridged bicyclic core of welwistatin. The bicyclic [4.3.1] core of 25 is furnished from a subsequent cyclopropanation to generate 23, followed by its ring expansion.