An alternative strategy involves the simultaneous formation of the 3-3a and 7a-1 bonds, via a Huisgen-type 6 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of benzyne (3) with nitrile oxides (4) (Scheme 2). 4b,7 Unfortunately, such reactions generally suffer from low yields, mainly due to competing side-reaction pathways resulting from the highly reactive intermediates. ... Scheme 2 Reaction pathways of nitrile oxides 4. ... In general, the reactive nitrile oxide species (4) are first ...