A convergent approach for the stereoselective synthesis of diverse spiroethers is described. The reaction involves stereoselective trapping of diazo-derived rhodium carbenoids with gold-activated alkynols for the installation of spiro cores. The reaction has proven general with a range of readily accessible homopropargylic alcohols and diazo carbonyls to provide functionalized spiroether cores of bioactive scaffolds such as spirobarbiturates, spirooxindoles, and pseurotin natural products.

Rh2(esp)2 has been identified as a highly efficient catalyst for O–H insertion of carboxylic acids into acceptor/acceptor diazo compounds. The insertion reaction proceeds in CH2Cl2 within minutes at room temperature in excellent yields and accommodates carboxylic acids having varying functionalities including amino acids, free alcoholic and phenolic O–H, indole N–H, alkenes, alkynes, and substituted aromatics. In addition, the reaction tolerates a broad range of stable diazo compounds carrying diverse functional groups.

A novel and highly efficient diazo-OH insertion/Conia-ene cascade reaction of readily available homopropargylic acids and alcohols with diazo carbonyl compounds is described. The cascade reaction involves a synergistic Rh/Ag/Au catalyst cocktail and proceeds instantly with a variety of substituted diazo compounds and acids/alcohols to provide functionalized γ-butyrolactones and tetrahydrofurans with complete regio- and stereoselectivity. The unprecedented rate-enhancement, complete stereoselectivity, and the enabling of new Conia-ene cyclizations suggest a concerted [4+1]-cycloaddition reaction pathway under synergistic (Rh/Ag/Au)-catalysis conditions.

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