The rhodium-catalyzed dearomatizing [3 + 2] annulation reaction of 4-(3-arylpropyl)-1,2,3-triazoles is described. It provides a straightforward synthetic pathway from simple 5-aryl-1-alkynes leading to tricyclic 3,4-fused dihydroindoles via the corresponding 1,2,3-triazoles.

Enaminones are synthesized by the rhodium(II)-catalyzed denitrogenative rearrangement reaction of 1-(N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)alkanols, which are readily prepared from propargylic alcohols and N-sulfonyl azides. Intramolecular 1,2-hydride (or -alkyl) migration occurs with an intermediary α-imino rhodium(II) carbenoid species generated through denitrogenation of the 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl moiety. The resulting enaminones is converted into various heterocycles with replacement of the N-sulfonyl group.

A sequential procedure for the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted thiazoles from terminal alkynes, sulfonyl azides, and thionoesters is reported. A copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with sulfonyl azides affords 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles, which then react with thionoesters in the presence of a rhodium(II) catalyst. The resulting 3-sulfonyl-4-thiazolines subsequently aromatize into the corresponding 2,5-disubstituted thiazoles by elimination of the sulfonyl group.