Rhodium(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral annulation of pyrazolidinones with diazo compounds has been described. This reaction provides a straightforward platform to access various pyrazolo[1,2-a]cinnolines, which have potential medicinal value, under mild reaction conditions, with good regioselectivity and high functional group tolerability.
![Graphical abstract: Rh(iii)-Catalyzed synthesis of pyrazolo[1,2-a]cinnolines from pyrazolidinones and diazo compounds](http://hg.y866.cn/compound/lib/scimg/usr/1/C8QO00209F.jpg)