Described here is a diastereoselective Rh-catalyzed method for the preparation of dioxolanes from
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-alkyl-
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-diazoesters. This represents the first general method for generating carbonyl ylides from
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-diazoestersthat possess
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-hydrogens, as such diazo compounds typically give rise to alkenes via
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-hydride elimination.Subsequent cycloaddition with aromatic aldehydes gives tetrasubstituted dioxolanes with unusually highdiastereoselectivity. A model is set forth to explain the diastereoselectivity of the cycloaddition.