The cationic rhodium(I) species derived from [Rh(COD)Cl](2) and AgSbF6 efficiently catalyze intrarnolecular [4+2] cycloadditions of ester-tethered 1,3-diene-8-yne derivatives such as 2-propynyl penta-2,4-dienoate and 2,4-pentadienyl propiolate derivatives in fluorinated alcohols. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.