Transformations of Strained Three-Membered Rings a Common, Yet Overlooked, Motif in Heavy-Atom Tunneling Reactions

Quantum mechanical tunneling has long been recognized as an important phenomenon when considering transformations dominated by a lightweight hydrogen atom. Tunneling of heavier atoms like carbon, initially dismissed as negligible, has seen a quickly increasing number of computationally predicted and/or experimentally confirmed examples over the last decade, thus highlighting its importance for a wide variety of reactions. However, no common structural motif has been pointed out within these seemingly unconnected examples, strongly limiting the predictability of the impact of heavy-atom tunneling on a given reaction. This Concept article will provide this perspective and showcase how the recognition of the formation and cleavage of three-membered rings as common motif can inform the prediction of and research into heavy-atom tunneling reactions.

New antiproliferative agents derived from tricyclic 3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazine scaffold: Synthesis and pharmacological effects

A series of novel 3,4-dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazine (BIT) derivatives were designed and synthesized. In vitro antiproliferative activity was detected toward two human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines (CaCo-2 and HT-29) and one human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line (HMVEC-d). The most active compounds, namely 2-4 and 8, were further investigated to clarify the mechanism behind their biological activity. Through immunofluorescence assay, we identified the target of these molecules to be the microtubule cytoskeleton with subsequent formation of dense microtubule accumulation, particularly at the periphery of the cancer cells, as observed in paclitaxel-treated cells. Overall, these results highlight BIT derivatives as robust and feasible candidates deserving to be further developed in the search for novel potent antiproliferative microtubule-targeting agents.

Cyclo-Dipnictadialanes

Using the AlI precursor Cp3t Al in conjunction with triphosphiranes (PAr)3 (Ar=Mes, Dip, Tip) we have succeeded in preparing Lewis base-free cyclic diphosphadialanes with both the Al and P atoms bearing three substituents. Using the sterically more demanding Dip and Tip substituents the first 1,2-diphospha-3,4-dialuminacyclobutanes were obtained, whereas with Mes substituents [Cp3t Al(μ-PMes)]2 is formed. This divergent reactivity was corroborated by DFT studies, which indicated the thermodynamic preference for the 1,2-diphospha-3,4-dialuminacyclobutane form for sterically more demanding groups on phosphorus. Using Cp*Al we could extend this concept to the corresponding cyclic diarsadialanes [Cp*Al(μ-AsAr)]2 (Ar=Dip, Tip) and additionally add the phosphorus variants [Cp*Al(μ-PAr)]2 (P=Mes, Dip, Tip). The reactivity of one variant [Cp3t Al(μ-PPh)]2 towards NHCs was tested and resulted in double NHC-stabilised [Cp3t (IiPr2 )Al(μ-PPh)]2 .

Ultrafast Photo-ion Probing of the Ring-Opening Process in Trans-Stilbene Oxide

The ultrafast photo‐induced ring opening of the oxirane derivative trans‐stilbene oxide has been studied through the use of ultrafast UV/UV pump‐probe spectroscopy by using photo‐ion detection. Single‐ and multiphoton probe paths and final states were identified through comparisons between UV power studies and synchrotron‐based vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) single‐photon ionization studies. Three major time‐dependent features of the parent ion (sub‐450 fs decay, (1.5±0.2) ps, and >100 ps) were observed. These decays are discussed in conjunction with the primary ring‐opening mechanism of stilbene oxide, which occurs through C−C dissociation in the oxirane ring. The appearance of fragments relating to the masses of dehydrogenated diphenylmethane (167 amu) and dehydrogenated methylbenzene (90 amu) were also investigated. The appearance of the 167 amu fragment could suggest an alternative ultrafast ring‐opening pathway via the dissociation of one of the C−O bonds within the oxirane ring.

Protic Ionic Liquid as Reagent, Catalyst, and Solvent: 1-Methylimidazolium Thiocyanate

We propose a new concept of the triple role of protic ionic liquids with nucleophilic anions: a) a regenerable solvent, b) a Brønsted acid inducing diverse transformations via general acid catalysis, and c) a source of a nucleophile. The efficiency of this strategy was demonstrated using thiocyanate-based protic ionic liquids for the ring-opening of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. A wide variety of activated cyclopropanes were found to react with 1-methylimidazolium thiocyanate under mild metal-free conditions via unusual nitrogen attack of the ambident thiocyanate ion on the electrophilic center of the three-membered ring affording pyrrolidine-2-thiones bearing donor and acceptor substituents at the C(5) and C(3) atoms, respectively, in a single time-efficient step. The ability of 1-methylimidazolium thiocyanate to serve as a triplex reagent was exemplarily illustrated by (4+2)-annulation with 1-acyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)cyclopropane, epoxide ring-opening and other organic transformations.

Ladderane Natural Products: From the Ground Up

The ladderane family of natural products are well known for their linearly concatenated cyclobutane skeletal structure. Owing to their unique carbocyclic framework, several chemical syntheses have been reported since their discovery in 2002. The focus of this review is to showcase the novel tactics that have been used to generate the ladderane core and the challenges that are associated with the synthesis of these unusual and complex natural products.

Engineering Crystals Using sp3 -C Centred Tetrel Bonding Interactions

1,1,2,2-Tetracyanocyclopropane derivatives 1 and 2 were designed and synthesized to probe the utility of sp3 -C centred tetrel bonding interactions in crystal engineering. The crystal packing of 1 and 2 and their 1,4-dioxane cocrystals is dominated by sp3 -C(CN)2 ⋅⋅⋅O interactions, has significant C⋅⋅⋅O van der Waals overlap (≤0.266 Å) and DFT calculations indicate interaction energies of up to -11.0 kcal mol-1 . A cocrystal of 2 with 1,4-thioxane reveals that the cyclopropane synthon prefers interacting with O over S. Computational analyses revealed that the electropositive C2 (CN)4 pocket in 1 and 2 can be seen as a strongly directional 'tetrel-bond donor', similar to halogen bond or hydrogen bond donors. This disclosure is expected to have implications for the utility of such 'tetrel bond donors' in molecular disciplines such as crystal engineering, supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition and medicinal chemistry.

A Flexible Method for Covalent Double Functionalization of Graphene Oxide

A method for the double functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) under mild alkaline conditions has been developed. Two functional groups were covalently linked to GO in two steps: the first group was attached by an epoxide ring-opening reaction and the second, bearing an amine function, was covalently conjugated to benzoquinone attached to the GO. The doubly functionalized GO was characterized by several techniques, confirming the sequential covalent modification of the GO surface with two different functional groups. This method is straightforward and the reaction conditions are mild, allowing preservation of the structure and properties of GO. This strategy could be exploited to prepare multifunctional GO conjugates with potential applications in many fields ranging from materials science to biomedicine.

Silaboration of [1.1.1]Propellane: A Storable Feedstock for Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Derivatives

The silaboration of [1.1.1]propellane enables direct introduction of B and Si functional groups onto the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) scaffold in high yield under mild, additive-free conditions. The silaborated BCP can be obtained on a gram-scale in a single step without the need for column-chromatographic purification, and is storable and easy to handle, providing a versatile synthetic intermediate for BCP derivatives. We also describe various conversions of the C-B/C-Si bonds on the BCP scaffold, including development of a modified Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at the highly sterically hindered bridgehead sp³ carbon center of the BCP skeleton using a combination of highly activated BCP boronic esters, copper(I) oxide, and a PdCl₂ (dppf) catalyst system.

Accessing 1,2-Substituted Cyclobutanes through 1,2-Azaborine Photoisomerization

We provide a seminal example of the utility of the 1,2-azaborine motif as a 4C+1N+1B synthon in organic synthesis. Specifically, conditions for the practically scalable photoisomerization of 1,2-azaborine in a flow reactor are reported that furnish aminoborylated cyclobutane derivatives. The C-B bonds could also be functionalized to furnish a diverse set of highly substituted cyclobutanes.

Reactivity of a Sterically Unencumbered α-Borylated Phosphorus Ylide towards Small Molecules

The influence of substituents on α‐borylated phosphorus ylides (α‐BCPs) has been investigated in a combined experimental and quantum chemical approach. The synthesis and characterization of Me₃PC(H)B(iBu)₂ (1), consisting of small Me substituents on phosphorous and iBu residues on boron, is reported. Compound 1 is accessible through a novel synthetic approach, which has been further elucidated through DFT studies. The reactivity of 1 towards various small molecules was probed and compared with that of a previously published derivative, Ph₃PC(Me)BEt₂ (2). Both α‐BCPs react with NH₃ to undergo heterolytic N−H bond cleavage. Different di‐ and trimeric ring structures were observed in the reaction products of 1 with CO and CO₂. With PhNCO and PHNCS, the expected insertion products [Me₃PC(H)(PhNCO)B(iBu)₂] and [Me₃PC(H)(PhNCS)B(iBu)₂], respectively, were isolated.

The Shape of the Archetypical Oxocarbon Squaric Acid and Its Water Clusters

Herein, a full structural description is presented for the archetypical supramolecular synthone squaric acid (3,4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione), placed in the gas phase by laser ablation and characterized by chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave technique. Free from natural environmental disturbances, two different anti-anti and syn-anti planar forms and the corresponding water clusters have been revealed in a supersonic expansion. The substitution structure of the most stable anti-anti conformer has also been extracted from the analysis of the rotational spectra of the ¹³ C and ¹⁸ O isotopic species in their natural abundance. The interplay between inter- and intramolecular interactions involving hydroxy and carbonyl groups has been analyzed by QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) methods for squaric acid and its water clusters to understand their chemical behavior and further rationalize their role in the stabilization of these molecular systems.

Convenient Access to 2,3-Disubstituted-cyclobut-2-en-1-ones under Suzuki Conditions and Their Synthetic Utility

A regioselective synthesis of general applicability has been designed for the one-pot preparation of 2,3-disubstituted-cyclobutenones from iodoalkynes through cyclobutenylation, Suzuki CC coupling, and ketone formation. This one-pot methodology has been applied to the selective synthesis of an orally active cyclooxygenase II inhibitor. Furthermore, the obtained cyclobut-2-en-1-ones were used as synthons in several transformations, such as, the preparation of β-lactams, phthalazines, cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ones, and cyclopent-3-en-1-ones.

A Redox Auxiliary Strategy for Pyrrolidine Synthesis via Photocatalytic [3+2] Cycloaddition

Cycloaddition reactions can be used to efficiently assemble pyrrolidine rings that are significant in a variety of chemical and biological applications. We have developed a method for the formal cycloaddition of cyclopropyl ketones with hydrazones that utlizes photoredox catalysis to enable the synthesis of a range of structurally diverse pyrrolidine rings. The key insight enabling the scope of photoredox [3+2] cycloadditions to be expanded to C=N electrophiles was the use of a redox auxiliary strategy that allowed for photoreductive activation of the cyclopropyl ketone without the need for an exogenous tertiary amine co-reductant. These conditions prevent the deleterious reductive ring-opening of the cyclopropyl substrates, enabling a range of less-reactive coupling partners to participate in this cycloaddition.

Enantioselective Visible-Light-Mediated Formation of 3-Cyclopropylquinolones by Triplet-Sensitized Deracemization

3-Allyl-substituted quinolones undergo a triplet-sensitized di-π-methane rearrangement reaction to the corresponding 3-cyclopropylquinolones upon irradiation with visible light (λ=420 nm). A chiral hydrogen-bonding sensitizer (10 mol %) was shown to promote the reaction enantioselectively (88-96 % yield, 32-55 % ee). Surprisingly, it was found that the enantiodifferentiation does not occur at the state of initial product formation but that it is the result of a deracemization event. The individual parameters that control the distribution of enantiomers in the photostationary state have been identified.

(3+3)-Annulation of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Diaziridines

The first example of (3+3)-annulation of two different three-membered rings is reported herein. Donor-acceptor cyclopropanes in reaction with diaziridines were found to afford perhydropyridazine derivatives in high yields and diastereoselectivity under mild Lewis acid catalysis. The disclosed reaction is applicable for the broad substrate scope and exhibits an excellent functional group tolerance.

Synthesis of (-)-Hebelophyllene E: An Entry to Geminal Dimethyl-Cyclobutanes by [2+2] Cycloaddition of Alkenes and Allenoates

The first synthesis of hebelophyllene E is presented, along with assignment of its previously unknown relative configuration through synthesis of epi-ent-hebelophyllene E. Development of a catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of alkenes and allenoates provides access to the required chiral geminal dimethylcyclobutanes. Key to its success is the identification of a novel oxazaborolidine catalyst which promotes the cycloaddition in high enantioselectivities with good functional-group tolerance (9 examples, up to 97:3 e.r.). Thus, a late-stage cycloaddition using a fully functionalized alkene, followed by a diastereoselective reduction allows a concise entry to this class of natural products.

Ammonium Ylide Mediated Cyclization Reactions

The use of readily accessible ammonium ylides for (asymmetric) transformations, especially cyclization reactions, has received considerable attention over the past two decades. A variety of highly enantioselective protocols to facilitate annulation reactions have recently been introduced as an alternative to other common methods including S-ylide-mediated strategies. It is the intention of this short review to provide an introduction to this field by highlighting the potential of ammonium ylides for (asymmetric) cyclization reactions as well as to present the limitations and challenges of these methods.

Synthesis and Reactivity of the Phosphorus Analogues of Cyclopentadienone, Tricyclopentanone, and Housene

The phosphorus analogues of cyclopentadienone, tricyclopentanone, and housene were accessed from bis(cyclopropenyl)diphosphetanedione 3, which was prepared by mixing 1,2,3-tris-tert-butylcyclopropenium tetrafluoroborate (1) and sodium phosphaethynolate [Na(OCP)(dioxane)_n ]. While photolysis of 3 results in decarbonylation, yielding bis(cyclopropenyl)diphosphene 4 and after rearrangement diphosphahousene 5, thermolysis of 3 leads to phosphatricyclo[2.1.0.0]pentanone 7. Metal-mediated valence isomerization of 7 and subsequent demetalation provides access to phosphacyclopentadienone 12.

Highly Strained Organogold Complexes and Their Gold- or Rhodium-Catalyzed Isomerizations

The synthesis and characterization of (NHC)(tricyclo[4.1.0.0^2,7 ]hept-1-yl)gold(I) compounds is reported. Several of these organometallic compounds could be obtained by transmetalation from the organolithium precursor to the corresponding (NHC)gold(I) chlorides. These are by far the most strained stable organogold compounds reported so far. With these new compounds we were able to efficiently and selectively accomplish the first gold-catalyzed rearrangement of organogold compounds, even better yields were obtained by the first rhodium-catalyzed rearrangement of these organogold species. (E/Z)-Mixtures of (NHC)(cyclohex-2-en-1-ylidenemethyl)gold(I) were obtained, none of the other known rearrangement products of tricycloheptanes. Additional insight into the chemical and physical properties of the strained compounds was obtained by spectroscopic and computational studies.

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Bioisosteres of Internal Alkynes and para-Disubstituted Benzenes from [1.1.1]Propellane

We report a general preparation of arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes through the opening of [1.1.1]propellane with various arylmagnesium halides. After transmetalation with ZnCl₂ and Negishi cross-coupling with aryl and heteroaryl halides, bis-arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes are obtained. These bis-arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes may be considered as bioisosteres of internal alkynes. Bioisosteres of tazarotene and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine were prepared and their physicochemical properties were evaluated.

Isolation of Azadiphosphiridines and Diphosphenimines by Cycloaddition of Azides and a Cationic Diphosphene

The polarized, cationic diphosphene [(^Cl Im^Dipp )P=P(Dipp)]⁺ as the triflate salt 7[OTf](^Cl Im^Dipp =4,5-dichloro-1,3-bis(Dipp)-imidazol-2-yl; Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) reacts with azides of type RN₃ (R=Dipp or Dmp; Dmp=2,5-dimethylphenyl) in a [2+3] cycloaddition reaction followed by the release of N₂ and a subsequent electrocyclic ring-closing reaction to azadiphosphiridine salts [(^Cl Im^Dipp )P-P(Dipp)-N(R)]10a,b[OTf] (R=Dipp or Dmp). The reaction of 7[X] (X=OTf, GaCl₄ ) with the electron-rich azides Me₃ SiN₃ and NaN₃ give the unusual diphosphenimine derivatives [(^Cl Im^Dipp )P-P(Dipp)=N(SiMe₃ )]⁺ (11[OTf]) and [(^Cl Im^Dipp )P-P(Dipp)=N(GaCl₃ )] (12), respectively, featuring an acyclic P₂ N moiety. Theoretical calculations provide insights into the reaction mechanisms to the cyclic and acyclic forms, in which the thermodynamic stability of the latter prevents the electrocyclic ring closure.

Nickel-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Coupling between Cyclobutanones and Allenes: Rapid Synthesis of [3.2.2] Bicycles

Herein an intramolecular nickel-catalyzed (4+2) coupling between cyclobutanones and allenes, by C-C cleavage, is reported. The reaction provides a distinct approach for accessing [3.2.2] bicyclic scaffolds which are challenging to prepare through conventional approaches. The reaction is efficient, chemoselective, and pH/redox neutral. Room temperature conditions and low catalyst loadings can be adopted. Excellent enantioselectivity is also achieved.

Donor-Stabilized 1,3-Disila-2,4-diazacyclobutadiene with a Nonbonded Si⋅⋅⋅Si Distance Compressed to a Si=Si Double Bond Length

A donor-stabilized 1,3-disila-2,4-diazacyclobutadiene presents an exceptionally short nonbonded Si⋅⋅⋅Si distance (2.23 Å), which is as short as that of Si=Si bonds (2.15-2.23 Å). Theoretical investigations indicate that there is no bond between the two silicon atoms, and that the unusual geometry can be related to a significant coulomb repulsion between the two ring nitrogen atoms. This chemical pressure phenomenon could provide an alternative and superior way of squeezing out van der Waals space in highly strained structures, as compared to the classical physical methods.

Beyond the Dimer and Trimer: Tetraspiro[2.1.2(5).1.2(9).1.2(13).1(3)] hexadecane-1,3,5,7-tetraone--the Cyclic Tetramer of Carbonylcyclopropane

Tetraspiro[2.1.2(5).1.2(9).1.2(13).1(3)]hexadecane-1,3,5,7-tetraone 4, a unique tetraketone containing a cyclooctane core and four spiroannelated cyclopropane moieties, represents the previously unknown cyclotetramer of carbonylcyclopropane. For this purpose oxidation of the parent polyspirocyclic hydrocarbon was examined under various oxidative conditions, and the reactivity of oxidants towards methylene groups of the eight-membered cycle, activated by adjacent spirocyclopropane rings, was evaluated and contrasted. Whereas the treatment of tetraspirohexadecane with ozone resulted in monooxidation, its reaction with methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane afforded the product of four-fold oxidation, triketoalcohol 10. Subsequent oxidation of the latter with Dess-Martin periodinane gave the target tetraketone 4.

Substrate-Controlled Product Divergence: Conversion of CO2 into Heterocyclic Products

Substituted epoxy alcohols and amines allow substrate-controlled conversion of CO2 into a wide range of heterocyclic structures through different mechanistic manifolds. This new approach results in an unusual scope of CO2-derived products by initial activation of CO2 through either the amine or alcohol unit, thus providing nucleophiles for intramolecular epoxy ring opening under mild reaction conditions. Control experiments support the crucial role of the amine/alcohol fragment in this process with the nucleophile-assisted ring-opening step following an SN i pathway, and a 5-exo-tet cyclization, thus leading to heterocyclic scaffolds.

The Cleavage of a C-C Bond in Cyclobutylanilines by Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis: Development of a [4+2] Annulation Method

We report the first example of an intermolecular [4+2] annulation of cyclobutylanilines with alkynes enabled by visible-light photocatalysis. Monocyclic and bicyclic cyclobutylanilines successfully undergo the annulation with terminal and internal alkynes to generate a wide variety of amine-substituted cyclohexenes including new hydrindan and decalin derivatives with good to excellent diastereoselectivity. The reaction is overall redox neutral with perfect atom economy.

Solid-Phase Parallel Synthesis of Functionalised Medium-to-Large Cyclic Peptidomimetics through Three-Component Coupling Driven by Aziridine Aldehyde Dimers

The first solid-phase parallel synthesis of macrocyclic peptides using three-component coupling driven by aziridine aldehyde dimers is described. The method supports the synthesis of 9- to 18-membered aziridine-containing macrocycles, which are then functionalized by nucleophilic opening of the aziridine ring. This constitutes a robust approach for the rapid parallel synthesis of macrocyclic peptides.

Enantioselective iron-catalyzed intramolecular cyclopropanation reactions

An iron-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation was realized in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97% ee) by using the iron complexes of chiral spiro-bisoxazoline ligands as catalysts. The superiority of iron catalysts exhibited in this reaction demonstrated the potential abilities of this sustainable metal in asymmetric carbenoid transformation reactions.

[2+2] cycloaddition of 1,3-dienes by visible light photocatalysis

[2+2] photocycloadditions of 1,3-dienes represent a powerful yet synthetically underutilized class of reactions. We report that visible light absorbing transition metal complexes enable the [2+2] cycloaddition of a diverse range of 1,3-dienes. The ability to use long-wavelength visible light is attractive because these reaction conditions tolerate the presence of sensitive functional groups that might be readily decomposed by the high-energy UVC radiation required for direct photoexcitation of 1,3-dienes. The resulting vinylcyclobutane products are poised for a variety of further diversification reactions, and this method is consequently expected to be powerfully enabling in the synthesis of complex organic targets.

Asymmetric organocatalytic epoxidations: reactions, scope, mechanisms, and applications

Chiral epoxides serve as versatile building blocks in the synthesis of complex organic frameworks. The high strain imposed by the three-membered ring system makes epoxides prone to a variety of nucleophilic ring-opening reactions. Since the development of the Sharpless epoxidation, there have been many important contributions and advances in this area. With the rapid development of the field of asymmetric organocatalysis, a wide range of organocatalysts is now able to catalyze the epoxidation of broad class of unsaturated carbonyl compounds. In this Minireview, recent progress in the development of organocatalytic asymmetric epoxidation methods, the proposed mechanisms of these reactions and their applications as intermediates is reported.

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cycloisomerizations of methylenecyclopropanes with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles

A novel rhodium(II)-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles is disclosed. The reaction produces a series of highly functionalized polycyclic N heterocycles via a rhodium imino carbene intermediate. A distinct feature of this divergent synthesis is that different types of substrates control the reaction pathways. Moreover, several interesting transformations of these products to construct diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives are also reported.

Hypoiodite-mediated cyclopropanation of alkenes

An efficient, transition metal-free procedure for the cyclopropanation of alkenes using malononitrile and the LiI-tBuOCl combination under mild reaction conditions is described. The reaction mechanism most likely involves tBuOI generated in situ from LiI and tBuOCl. The utility of this new methodology has been demonstrated by the synthesis of a potential HIV-1 RT inhibitor.

Rh-Catalyzed rearrangement of vinylcyclopropane to 1,3-diene units attached to N-heterocycles

Dienes embedded in quinolizidine and indolizidine structures can be prepared in four steps from cyclic nitrones and bicyclopropylidene. The key intermediates α-spirocyclopropanated N-heterocyclic ketones, generated via a domino 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/thermal rearrangement sequence, were converted by Wittig methylenation to the corresponding vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs), which underwent rearrangement to 1,3-dienes in the presence of the Wilkinson Rh(I) complex under microwave heating. The previously unexplored Rh(I)-catalyzed opening of the VCP moiety embedded in an azapolycyclic system occurs at high temperature (110-130 °C) to afford the corresponding 1,3-dienes in moderate yield (34-53%).