Dirhodiumtetraacetate catalyzed nitrogen extrusion from diazocarbonyl
compounds (2a-f, 19c, 23d-f, 25b) yields benzopyryliumolates (3), whic
h were trapped intramolecularly in situ to give tetracyclic adducts (4
a, 5a-d, 20, 24a-c, 26). Starting with 5a and 5d annulated benzotropol
ones (12a, d) are accessible.