Decomposition of 2-diazo-l, 34ndandione (3) by rhodium (I1) acetate (1) in cyclohexane and in benzene results in overall carbon-hydrogen insertion to give 2-substituted 1, 3- indandiones. Anisole, 1, and 3 yield 2-(4-meth-oxyphenyl)-1, 34ndandione (74%); benzenes substituted by single methyl or halogen groups yield the corresponding ortho-and para- substitution products. Spirocyclopropanes are obtained by rhodium (I1)-catalyzed ...