Rhodium(III)-catalyzed dearomatizing (3 + 2) annulation of 2-alkenylphenols and alkynes.

Appropriately substituted 2-alkenylphenols undergo a mild formal [3C+2C] cycloaddition with alkynes when treated with a Rh(III) catalyst and an oxidant. The reaction, which involves the cleavage of the terminal C-H bond of the alkenyl moiety and the dearomatization of the phenol ring, provides a versatile and efficient approach to highly appealing spirocyclic skeletons and occurs with high selectivity.