New rhodium(II) catalyzed synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds from α-diazo ketones using vinyl ethers as two-carbon synthons

The Rh2(OAc)4 catalyzed reaction of α-diazo ketones and vinyl ethers afforded 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds. The scope of this protocol has been demonstrated with the synthesis of a seratonin antagonist.