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.