The Rh(I)-catalyzed PKR of 1-phenylsulfonyl- 1,2-octadien-7-ynes and their aza derivatives exclusively produced the corresponding 9-phenylsulfonylbicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1,6-dien-8-ones and no 4-(phenylsulfonylmethylidene)bicyclo [3.3. 0]oct-1-en-3-ones could be detected. Thus, the ring-closing pattern was found to be the same as those of the previously reported 3-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-octadien-7-yne derivatives. However, the formation of 4-(phenylsulfonylmethylidene)-7-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones was observed as a minor product when the 5-oxa congeners were used. In addition, a larger ring-sized product, 10-phenylsulfonyl-5-azabicyclo[5.3.0]deca-1,7-dien-9-one derivative, was obtained from the 6-aza derivative of 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-nonadien-8-yne. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.