Synthesis and Reactivity of Rhodium(II) N-Triflyl Azavinyl Carbenes

Highly reactive rhodium(II) N-trifluoromethylsulfonyl azavinyl carbenes are formed in situ from NH-1,2,3-triazoles, triflic anhydride, and rhodium carboxylates. They rapidly and selectively react with olefins, providing cyclopropane carboxaldehydes and 2,3-dihydropyrroles in generally excellent yields and high enantio- and diastereoselectivity.